I Timothy 2:1, 2
A. The Exhortation of Prayer– vs. 1 “I exhort…that first of all…prayers…”
B. The Expectation of Prayer – vs. 2 “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…”
C. The Examination of Prayer – vs. 3 “…this is good and acceptable in the sight of God…”
This passage deals specifically with praying for our leaders. However, I want to broaden the subject to praying for our country.
The Bible is filled with examples of people that prayed for their nation.
1. Moses prayed prayers of COMPASSION – Exodus 32:10-14
2. Joshua prayed prayers of CONFUSION – Joshua 7:6-11
3. Elijah prayed a prayer of CONDEMNATION – 1 Kings 17:1
4. Elijah prayed a prayer for CONFIRMATION – I Kings 18:36-37
But the example I want to examine the one Solomon prayed in II Chronicles 6.
His prayer was specific in its relation to the nation of Israel.
A. It was a Public Prayer – vs. 12 “he stood…in the presence of all the congregation…”
B. It was a Prepared Prayer – vs. 13 “Solomon had made a platform…”
C. It was a Passionate Prayer – vs. 12, 13 – “he spread forth his hands toward heaven…”
D. It was a Prolonged Prayer – from verse 14 until verse 41.
E. It was Prayer on Prayer – Solomon’s prayer was actually a prayer about prayer.
He mentioned the word PRAY or PRAYER or PRAYS no less than 15 times.
He used the word SUPPLICATION 6 times.
HEAR or HEARKEN is mentioned 11 times.
CONFESS is mentioned 2 times.
That’s at least 34 references to prayer in 28 verses, 2 Chronicles 6:12 – 41
F. It was a Powerful Prayer – 7:1
This prayer was detailed.
Solomon prayed for very specific things.
I’d say from God’s response in 7:1 that Solomon did something right.
I also believe that the very things that Solomon prayed for Israel, we can pray for America.
Solomon’s Prayer in 2 Chronicles 6
Let’s examine his prayer.
1. A Prayer for Recognition – vs. 17-20
Solomon begged God to open His eyes and look at them.
He prayed for God to hear their prayer and to bless His house with His divine presence.
2. A Prayer for Revenge – vs. 21-23
Solomon prayed for the God to take care of the enemy. We have to give it to God. He says Vengeance is His.
3. A Prayer for Repentance – vs. 24, 25
Solomon prayed for his people to be forgiven when they acknowledge their sin.
4. A Prayer for Restoration – vs. 26-31
Solomon prayed for the land to be restored from pestilence and drought.
5. A Prayer for Revelation – vs. 32,33
Solomon prayed that God would reveal Himself that all the people of the earth would know God.
6. A Prayer for Reinforcement – vs. 34, 35
Solomon prayed for God to aid them in their military endeavors and in time of war.
6. A Prayer for Recovery – vs. 36-39
Solomon prayed that if the people are taken away captive that they would be returned.
8. A Prayer for Remembrance – vs. 40-42
He begged God to remember the mercies of his father David, and to let God’s people rejoice.
Dr. Ben Graham
Senior Pastor
Music City Baptist Church
President- Graham Family Films
