Our Only Hope

Posted on by ruthbillingsley

Solomon’s Prayer

Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles, Chapter 6). Woodcut engraving after a drawing by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld (German painter, 1794 – 1872), published in 1877.
“(Solomon) knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.” (2 Chronicles 6:13)
“Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him,”
(2 Chronicles 7:12)
"If My own people,
Who are called by My name, 
Will humble themselves 
And will pray and proclaim,

Seek My face and turn
Away from wicked ways, 
I’ll hear in heaven
Their petitions and praise.

I’ll forgive their sin,
And I will heal their land. 
My eyes will open.
My ears will understand."

Now our only hope
Will be our humble prayer, 
“God, heal our nation.
Show us our cross to bear.

Grant us forgiveness;
Give us healing and peace, 
Love for our neighbors, 
And that all hate will cease.

Hope, our only hope,
Is in God’s Word alone. 
Help us to trust You
And let Your love be known."
(Interpreted from 2 Chronicles 7:14-15)

In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon gathered all of Israel and dedicated the temple in Jerusalem. He knelt down and prayed, asking God to hear from heaven and forgive them, protect them, and lead them. God responded in 2 Chronicles 7. He addressed the nation of Israel and called them to repentance, which would restore to them the promised land. The principles, however, can be applied by any believer who is facing difficulties in their lives. This prayer, when lifted up to God in truth and sincerity, can bring revival and blessings.

  • What are we to do?
    • Be humble. 1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
    • Be a prayer warrior. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
    • Be seeking God’s face. Psalm 105:4 “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!”
    • Be repentant. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • What will God do?
    • He will hear you. Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
    • He will forgive you. Psalm 86:5 “For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”
    • He will heal. Hosea 6:1 “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.”

America is growing in ungodliness and hostility toward Christians. America is reaping what we have sown. Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

  • What are Christians to do?
    • Christians must hold the light of faith in the midst of the darkness and not let the light of Christ grow dim within them. Let it shine bright.
    • Do not be friends with the world. There is no middle ground. Stand firm.
    • Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Confess and forsake the ways of the world, then God will hear you as you pray for our country.
    • Pray for turning back to God.
    • Pray for revival.
  • What must our country do?
    • Believe that God is real and know Him as creator.
    • End the murder of unborn babies.
    • Return to God’s ways regarding marriage, sexuality, and the family.
    • Trust Him as Lord and Savior