A Place for Belief

The church I attend in England is beautiful. It was first built in the 1100s and bears many marks of worshippers over the centuries, from the aisle that was added in the 1500s to the graffiti of unknown age carved into the stone of an archway. But I find that the most moving thing about it is that when it’s quiet, you can feel the spiritual connection of the place. The centuries of belief are almost tangible, and I have been comforted, knowing that I was not the first to bring my prayers to God here.

In this passage, we see the beginnings of the place God chose for the people to worship. Solomon dedicated the temple he had built, and the Lord found it pleasing. God promised to listen to the prayers of the people as long as Solomon and the people worshipped God. And although we may not have a grand temple or ancient church available to us, it is important that we also find our place where we can bring our prayers to God and know that God has heard us.

Loving God, thank you for promising to hear our prayer. Help us to listen to your word and will for our lives. Amen. — ERP