Prayer of Gratitude

Tuesday, September 1, 2015
2 Chronicles 6:1-5 NIV

1 Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; 2 I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever." 3 While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them. 4 Then he said: "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. For he said, 5 'Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built so that my Name might be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be ruler over my people Israel.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the house of the Lord had been built and furnished, what did King Solomon say to the Lord? (v.1-2)
2) What did the king do for, and say to, the people of God assembled at the temple dedication? (v.3-4)
3) What words of the Lord did the king quote to the people? (v.5)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What have you, and/or your local church, done to house the Presence of the Lord?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Presence of the Lord no longer abides in buildings, but in human vessels of flesh.

If My People Humble Themselves

Thursday, January 29, 2015
2 Chronicles 7:11-18 KJV

11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. 12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; 18 Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What had King Solomon completed in the early years of his reign? (v.11)
2) What did the Lord say to Solomon concerning the work of the king's hands? (v.12)
3) How did the Lord tell Solomon that His people were to respond if He allowed calamity to befall their nation? (v.13-14)
4) What did the Lord promise He would do when the people offered prayers within the temple? Why? (v.15-16)
5) What would the Lord do for Solomon if he obeyed the Lord? (v.17-18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What has the Lord placed within your heart to do for Him this year?
7) How important is it to you to do all that He has placed within your heart to do for him this year? Please explain.
8) What do you typically do when trouble befalls this nation and/or the nations of this world?

LIFE LESSONS
9) When we make the Lord's business, our greatest priority, He will take care of our business.
10) The Lord hears and answers our petitions when we humble ourselves and seek to know His will concerning whatever concerns us.