This post is based on a 2 Chronicles 7:14 sermon, which is the foundation and inspiration behind our prayer group. Over the next few weeks we will explore the instructions and promises in this scripture and how it applies to modern life.

2 Chronicles 7:14 Sermon Backstory

In 2 Chronicles, there is an awesome depiction of the dedication of the first temple by God’s people, Israel and King Solomon.  Verse 13 of chapter 6 states, “Then he (speaking of King Solomon) knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.” What an act of humility before God and in the presence of the people of God.  What a picture for the King of your country to go to his knees in front of the whole country and pray to God.  King Solomon was basically displaying that God was to rule and reign.  He was giving God His place as Lord over himself and over the country.

Could you imagine the hush in the crowd as everyone was staring at the leader of the country, wondering what would happen next or what he might say?  Would you like to see this from your pastor? Church leadership? State and Federal representatives? Even our President?

The rest of chapter 6 is a prayer from King Solomon, while on his knees in the presence of all Israel, at the dedication of the temple of where God would make His home with His people.  The gist of the prayer is that God would listen to the prayers of His people and deal with them according to His ways and also to forgive their sins when they miss the mark and repent.

The Result of Solomon’s Obedience

At the end of the prayer, we begin chapter 7, and it states, “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house.  When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”- 2 Chronicles 7:1-3.   Wow!  What an amazing moment.  God honored Solomon’s prayer and the glory of the Lord filled His house!

That’s Great!  But what if…?

In verse 12 of chapter 7, we find that after all of this was done the Lord appeared to Solomon at night.  He told Solomon that He had heard his prayer and honored it.  He also told Solomon that there would be times when His people would turn away and sin against him.  But, He also gave Solomon a way for His people to return to Him.

We find this in verse 14 which states, “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  This is where we find the remedy of the people of God to return to Him and be acceptable to Him again.  This particular verse is at the heartbeat of the beginning of the Join Us in Prayer movement.  There are 4 things that we are called to do in order to go back in to relationship with the Lord.  If we do these things, then He says He will do His 3 things.

Humble. Pray. Seek. Repent. Hear. Forgive. Heal.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn (repent) from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

As you can see, our part is to: humble, pray, seek, and turn (repent).  His part is to: hear, forgive and heal.  Without our part, He can not do His.  Over the next 7 weeks, we will study in depth at verse and 2 Chronicles 7:14 sermon. We will look at each instructions, and to try to understand how these things workout practically in our lives individually and also as a community.

Blessings to all,

JUIP Team