1 Kings 8:22-26 – Keys to answered prayers

In 1 Kings 8:22-53, we have the long dedication prayer that Solomon made to God after the temple was built. He stood at the altar in the courtyard of the temple and offered that prayer. As he was not the priest it was not his place to pray inside the Holy Place or the Most Holy Place. So verse 22 said that he prayed with his hands spread toward heaven before the altar, in the presence of the assembly of Israel.

Solomon begins by asserting that the God of Israel is unique and incomparable. This God has no equal. There is none and never will there be anyone, in heaven above or on earth below who is like Him. There is none that can be compared with Him. He has kept His covenant and shown His lovingkindness to those who have walked with Him wholeheartedly. Solomon thanks God for being the faithful God who has fulfilled all the promises He has made to David. So he asks God to continue to fulfill the promise that He has made to David so that a descendant of his will always sit on the throne of Israel.

Here are three critical keys to effective prayers. Firstly, we need to recognize that the God who answers our prayer has no equal. He is an incomparable God and there is none like Him. It is to this God that we are making our request. Secondly, an effective prayer is one that is asked in alignment with the promises that God has made. Asking in line with the promises of God will ensure that we are praying according to His will. And thirdly, the condition that will unlock prayer answers is our faithfulness and commitment to walk in God’s way. He never fails in His promises!