The leader prays for his Nation

 Read 1 Kings 8:22-66. 

What a powerful scene this is!  The Temple was breathtaking.  God displayed His presence and stopped the celebration.  Then, the king of the most powerful nation stood, stretched his hands out toward heaven and publicly prayed. 

There is so much in this prayer about Solomon's understanding of who God is and how the LORD works in the lives of people.  Here are just a few:

-God keeps His promises.

-God shows steadfast love "to your servants who walk before you with all their heart" (v.23).

-God raises up leaders by Divine appointment.  In Solomon's case it was in accord with the promise made to David.

-God hears our prayers and forgives sin.  Such prayer and forgiveness is repeatedly coupled with the people turning from their sin.

-God knows and responds to individuals according to each one's heart (v.39).

-God knows there is no one who does not sin (v.46). 

What is the overriding purpose of this Temple, its dedication, and Solomon's prayer?

"That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other.  Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day" (vv.60-61).