1 Kings 8:30
And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
1 KINGS 8:30
Solomon asks God to listen “to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel” when they pray toward this place. The verse moves from a single speaker to the community, acknowledging that national crises, celebrations, and daily life call for divine hearing. The language emphasizes corporate prayer and the communal dimension of relationship with God.
Theologically, it points to the mediator role of the temple as a place of national repentance and forgiveness. It also expresses God’s unique hearing of the prayers offered in fidelity to His name. The possibility of forgiveness when prayers rise to heaven signals God’s readiness to reorient a people back to faithful living.
This invites communal prayer in times of crisis and collective reflection. Churches, families, and organizations can develop shared prayer practices—turning toward a common “place” (literally or metaphorically) for confession, repentance, and seeking divine direction. If your community faces disunity or moral failure, set aside time to seek forgiveness and healing, taking concrete steps to align actions with God’s will.
Cross-References
- James 5:16
- Psalm 122:6-7
- Daniel 9:19
- Joel 2:15-17