2 Chronicles 6:19

Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:

2 Chronicles 6:19 (KJV)

Context

Solomon spoke these words at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. He had just finished building a house for the Lord and had gathered Israel to consecrate it. In his prayer, he acknowledged God’s greatness and humbly asked Him to listen to the petitions of His people. The same prayer appears in 1 Kings 8:28, confirming the consistency of the biblical account. This verse follows Solomon’s acknowledgment of God’s promise to David in 2 Chronicles 6:17 and the wonder that God would dwell on earth in 2 Chronicles 6:18.

Meaning

Solomon called himself God’s servant, showing humility and dependence on divine favour. The word “supplication” points to an earnest, heartfelt plea for mercy or help. When he asked the Lord to “hearken” to the cry and prayer, he was not asking God merely to hear words. He wanted God to recognize the depth of emotion and sincerity behind the request. Prayer is not a ritual; it is a genuine cry from the heart. God is not interested in outward forms alone but desires true communion with His people.

Biblical connections

This verse establishes the temple as a place of prayer and communion with God. The parallel in 1 Kings 8:28 shows that this appeal was central to Israel’s worship. The verse teaches three principles about prayer: humility, persistence, and earnestness. Solomon approaches God as a servant, continues to seek His attention, and pours out his heart with deep emotion.

Application

Solomon’s example teaches humility in prayer. Believers approach God not as equals but as servants seeking His will. The language of “cry” and “supplication” also shows persistence and earnestness. Prayer involves deep emotion and a sincere pouring out of one’s heart before God. God desires genuine connection, not outward forms alone. When we pray, we can come with the same humble, persistent, and earnest heart, trusting that God hears us.

Reflection

This verse encourages continual reliance on God’s presence and guidance. Just as Solomon dedicated the temple, believers can dedicate their lives to prayer, trusting that God hears and answers those who seek Him sincerely. The temple was a place where God’s name would dwell; now, through prayer, every believer can enter that sacred space. Let us approach God with the same reverence and dependence, knowing that He listens to the cries of His people.