I Kings 8:12-66

“Whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act …” (v38-39).  Solomon prayed that God remain close to the Israelites, and even to foreigners (v41) who called on Him.  No matter what happened – even through battles, famine, sin, and repentance – Solomon asked that God would always respond to His people.  

Solomon knew that “the good life” for Israel was only possible with God. “May He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways” (v57-58).