The Local Church and Prayer

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-26-2023

2 Chronicles 6:12-13

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  In our text, we find King Solomon dedicating the great Temple that he had built by through prayer.  I want to use this example, as I continue to preach on the local church, to show the importance of prayer within these walls. 

 

B.  Everyone should have a prayer life individually. 

 

1. Pray in Circumstances - Romans 12:12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

2.  Pray in Confidence - Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

3.  Pray in Constance - 1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

 

C.  When we come to God’s house and prayer should be a vital part of our worship of God.  When Jesus came into the Temple in Mark, chapter 11, He taught them saying, “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?” 

 

This comes from Isaiah 56:7, which reads, “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” 

 

D.  God’s house is Not a house of prayer, but the Lord said that it was THE HOUSE OF PRAYER!  They even had special times just to go to the Temple and pray. 

 

Acts 3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  This was one of the three times that it was customary with the Jews to pray.  At 9:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 3:00 PM.

 

Daniel 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

 

Psalms 55:17  Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 

 

E.  In 2 Chronicles 6:12-42, we find the Dedicatory Prayer that Solomon made upon completion of the Temple.  In 2 Chronicles 7:1, we find the acceptance of Solomon’s prayer and the consuming presence of God.

 

F.  The presence and power of God should be our ultimate desire when we meet at the church house.

 

1.  It Was A Prayer Of Humility – vs. 12-13

 

a.  Humbled In The Sight Of Man – vs. 12 – “in the presence of all the congregation and spread forth his hands”  (Not caring what man thinks.)

 

b.  Humbled In The Presence Of God – vs. 13 – “kneeled down on his knees…spread for th his hands toward heaven”  (Caring what God thinks!)

 

2.  It Was A Prayer Of Remembrance – vs. 14-18

 

a.  Remembrance Of God’s Person – vs. 14 – “there is not God like thee”

 

b.  Remembrance Of God’s Presence – vs. 14 – “nor in the earth”

 

c.  Remembrance Of God’s Power – vs. 15 – “fulfilled it with thine hand”

 

d.  Remembrance Of God’s Promises – vs. 16 – “keep…hast promised”

 

3.  It Was A Prayer Of Intercession – vs. 19-31

 

a.  For Forgiveness – vs. 21 – “when thou hearest, forgive”

 

b.  For Restoration – vs. 27 – “send rain upon thy land”

 

4.  It Was A Prayer Of Missions – vs. 32-33

 

a.  Foreign Missions – vs. 33a – “that all the people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee”

 

b.  Home Missions – vs. 33b – “thy people Israel…may know this house”

 

5.  It Was A Prayer Of Deliverance – vs. 34-39

 

a.  From Enemies – vs. 34 – “go to war…enemies by the way”

 

b.  From Defeat – vs. 35, 39 – “maintain their cause”

 

6.  It Was A Prayer Of Enthronement – vs. 40-42

 

a.  God In His Rightful Place In The Temple – vs. 41a – “arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place”

 

b.  God In His Rightful Place In The People – vs. 41b – “let thy saints rejoice in thy goodness”