2 Chronicles 6:21
Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
The prayer belongs to the dedication of the temple after it was finished and erected. It was offered standing and then kneeling before the altar of the Lord, with hands spread toward heaven, kneeling upon a brazen scaffold in the presence and hearing of all the congregation of Israel. It was spoken vocally and out loud, and its words are given and recorded in the Bible.
In that setting it stands as an example of vocal public prayer and as evidence in the Word of God for public vocal prayer. In context it follows appeal to God who has no equal in heaven or earth, who keeps covenant and shows mercy to servants who walk before Him with all their hearts and who fulfilled His promise to David. It asks Him to have respect to prayer and supplication and to keep His eyes open day and night upon the house where He said He would put His name.
Its meaning is that Solomon and the people of Israel may direct prayer toward this place, the temple as the appointed place of prayer, while God hears their supplications from His dwelling place in heaven, even from heaven, and when He hears forgives. God hears the prayers of His people from heaven and is not confined to the temple. He met His people there by His Spirit when they gathered for worship, but He also visits and encourages them in their homes and wherever they are, so His children may worship their heavenly Father in every place.
When the prayer ended God answered by sending fire from heaven that consumed the burnt offering. Afterward He appeared to Solomon by night to say He had heard his prayer.