6:3 As the people received Solomon’s blessing, they stood; as Solomon prayed, he knelt (6:13). Both standing and kneeling are acts of reverence. Acts of reverence make us feel more worshipful, and they let others see that we are honoring God. When you stand or kneel in church or at prayer, make these actions more than mere forms prescribed by tradition. Let them indicate your love for God.
6:12, 13 It was unusual for a king to kneel before someone else in front of his own people because kneeling meant submitting to a higher authority. Solomon demonstrated his great love and respect for God by kneeling before him. His action showed that he acknowledged God as the ultimate king and authority, and it encouraged the people to do the same.
6:18 The Temple was a place where the people could worship God. God did not need a Temple to live in, because not even the highest heaven could contain him (2:6). But at the Temple God was present in a special way among his people. While it is true that we can praise God and pray anywhere, anytime, gathering with others for singing and praise enhances our worship. It also strengthens our resolve to follow God.
6:18 Solomon marveled that God would be willing to live on earth among sinful people. We marvel that God, through his Son, Jesus, lived among us in human form to reveal his eternal purposes to us. In doing so, God was reaching out to us in love. God wants us to reach out to him in return in order to know him and to love him with all our hearts. Don’t simply marvel at his power; take time to get to know him.
6:19-42 As Solomon led the people in prayer, he asked God to hear their prayers concerning a variety of situations: (1) crime (6:22, 23); (2) enemy attacks (6:24, 25); (3) drought (6:26, 27); (4) famine (6:28-31); (5) the influx of foreigners (6:32, 33); (6) war (6:34, 35); (7) sin (6:36-39). God is concerned with whatever we face, even the difficult consequences we bring upon ourselves. He wants us to turn to him in prayer. When you pray, remember that God hears you. Don’t let the extremity of your situation cause you to doubt his care for you.
6:26 Why would Solomon assume that drought would come as a result of sin? Sin is not necessarily the direct cause of natural disasters today, but this was a special case. God had made a specific covenant with the Israelites that drought could be a consequence of their sins (Deuteronomy 28:20-24).
6:30 Have you ever felt far from God, separated by feelings of failure and personal problems? In his prayer, Solomon underscored the fact that God stands ready to hear his people, to forgive their sins, and to restore their relationship with him. God is waiting and listening for our confessions of guilt and our recommitment to obey him. He hears us when we pour out our needs and problems to him and is ready to forgive us and restore us to fellowship with him. Don’t wait to experience his loving forgiveness.
6:32, 33 A personal testimony is an effective method for convincing people to follow a cause or buy a product. When people see changed lives and watch God’s power at work, they will want to worship him. Those close to you should be able to see God at work in your life, in your words, and in your actions. What kind of testimony do you give?
6:36 The Bible makes it clear that no one is exempt from sin, not even God’s appointed kings. Sin is a condition we all share, and we all should acknowledge it as Solomon did. When we realize we have sinned, we should quickly ask God for forgiveness and restoration. Knowing we have a tendency to sin should keep us close to God, seeking his guidance and strength. This truth is also mentioned in Psalm 14:3, Ecclesiastes 7:20, and Romans 3:23.