For about seven years, Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel, built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. By its specifications recorded in Scripture, the temple would have been a wonder to behold. At the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 5-7, Solomon blesses the people, dedicates the temple in prayer to God’s glory, and celebrates God’s fulfilled promises to His people, especially to David.

Following Solomon’s prayer of dedication, the glory (Shekinah) of the Lord fills the temple and God makes His abode there in that place. God comes to Solomon in the night in 2 Chronicles 7:12 and makes a number of promises to him concerning the new temple, some of which are very familiar to Christians – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” This is the essence of revival for any of God’s people, not just Israel.

However the description God gives of the temple is fascinating to me:

The primary purpose of this place is to worship God, and the primary worship of God would be sacrifices. However, I think it is equally interesting that when Jesus comes into the temple in the New Testament Gospel records and cleanses the temple, He declares that the temple is to be a “House of Prayer.”

This is illuminating, encouraging, and exhorting all at the same time. What is the sacrifice with which we are to worship God? Does He desire a blood sacrifice – a lamb, goat, or bull? Thankfully, no; Christ has made the last and ultimate blood sacrifice for sin.

We are informed by Jesus’ description of the temple, that the sacrifices of the child of God in our day is the sacrifice of prayer. Many elements of Scripture feed into that one act of worship: 1. A broken and contrite spirit is the desired heart of worship as we pray (Psalm 51:17) 2. Thanksgiving and praise are the desired entry points of prayer (Psalm 100:1) 3. Faith and hope are the only requirements to come in prayer (no required background, knowledge, or expertise like the O.T. Priests).

As a matter of fact, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-30). This is the greatest worship of God – when we come, knowing our brokenness and desperation, and call out to Him in prayer.

J.C. Ryle wrote: “ Reader, the invitation of Christ is now before you. If you never listened to it before, listen to it today. Broad, full, free, wide, simple, tender, kind – that invitation will leave you without excuse if you refuse to accept it. There are some Christmas invitations, perhaps, which it is wiser and better to decline. There is one which ought always to be accepted. That one is before you today. Jesus Christ is saying,

“Come, come unto me.”

Come into the house of sacrifice, the house of prayer, the house of worship, the house of fellowship with your loving Savior and God. His glory will shine in that place, and His face will shine upon you there.