True Blessing Lies In Self-forgetfulness

TO READ: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42

He prayed, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.”

2 Chronicles 6:14

Do you ever wish that you knew the secret of privately praying for people so that their lives are really changed? Solomon shows us how.

First, Solomon praised God. Second, he prayed that God would help his people. Solomon knew that the promise to his father, King David, of his line continuing on the throne (“one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel”) hinged upon the people’s obedience (2 Chronicles 6:16). But people cannot be sinless (2 Chronicles 6:36), so Solomon asked God to “hear . . . from heaven” when his people confessed their sin, and when he heard, to forgive them (2 Chronicles 6:21-39). We also can pray for others by asking God to help them obey him, which he is always delighted to do, and then to pray that God will hear their prayers.

In your times of quiet, you also can intercede for others. Faith in who God is must precede all asking. In your quiet time, as you affirm God’s holiness and transcendence, you can humbly present your requests to the one who can make a difference in the lives of those for whom you are praying.

Intercession means using our quiet time to turn our attention away from our own needs and toward the needs of others. In this way our prayers not only bless others, but bless us too. In the end, true blessing lies in self-forgetfulness and concern for others. Then your quiet time will truly make a difference —for you and for others.