The Sinner's Attitude

Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:15 (NASB)

Facing difficult times, a young boy went to see his pastor at the church office to ask for advice. After explaining his situation, he asked the pastor what was the best time and place to talk to God. The pastor took him to the temple, in front of the altar, and said, "Kneel before the altar, humble yourself before God, acknowledge your sins, and confess them to your compassionate God."

The pastor placed his hands on his head while he was kneeling and prayed with him. After the prayer, the young boy told the pastor that he felt relieved of the burden he was carrying. It was as if pain had turned to joy. He then asked the pastor if he should come to church every time he encountered difficulties. The pastor replied, "It's not where you pray that matters to God, but rather the disposition of your heart and your attitude."

In this passage, although it is about the temple that Solomon built for God, we see that God first considers the humility of the people in the face of His wrath if He were to punish them for their sins. He expects the people to humble themselves, pray, and seek Him, without neglecting the fact that they must also confess their sins and turn away from them. God will certainly answer your prayers if you enter His presence with humility, acknowledging and confessing your sins. It is not your location that matters to God, but your attitude in His presence.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.