Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
This verse belongs to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple after it was erected. That prayer was marked by deep humility and devotion. Solomon offered it vocally while kneeling on a brazen scaffold in the presence and hearing of the people of Israel. Its words are preserved and given in the Bible.
It therefore gives biblical evidence for public vocal prayer. In it Solomon asks God to hear from heaven Israel's prayer and supplication when they go to war as God directs and pray toward the chosen city, Jerusalem, and the temple, and to maintain their cause. God answered the prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed the burnt offering. He further answered by appearing to Solomon by night to say He had heard his prayer.
Its setting shows that God's people may seek Him in prayer at the place dedicated to His worship, yet He is not confined to a temple but meets them by His Spirit wherever they assemble and may be worshiped in every place.
This verse belongs to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple after it was erected. That prayer was marked by deep humility and devotion. Solomon offered it vocally while kneeling on a brazen scaffold in the presence and hearing of the people of Israel. Its words are preserved and given in the Bible.
It therefore gives biblical evidence for public vocal prayer. In it Solomon asks God to hear from heaven Israel's prayer and supplication when they go to war as God directs and pray toward the chosen city, Jerusalem, and the temple, and to maintain their cause. God answered the prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed the burnt offering. He further answered by appearing to Solomon by night to say He had heard his prayer.
Its setting shows that God's people may seek Him in prayer at the place dedicated to His worship, yet He is not confined to a temple but meets them by His Spirit wherever they assemble and may be worshiped in every place.