Many years ago we were involved in a project for the local newspaper which featured the large churches of downtown Hamilton. Our friend Frank did the photography for the project, and he shared with us about a time he was trying to capture the cross on one of the steeples. The sun was striking it such that it glowed a bright gold, but he didn’t like the angle. So Frank moved.
Guess what? When he moved the sun was no longer reflecting off the cross. To get the reflection Frank had to be in a certain spot.
Sometimes we can feel that way about worship and prayer. We may think we have to be in just the right position in order for God to hear our prayers. Solomon’s prayer in today’s passage certainly implies that. What does it mean to you that “God’s name is there?” What do you think it means to “pray toward this place?” What is the first thing Solomon wants God to do when He hears?
And with this attitude comes the mistaken belief that the church is the only place where God exists. We know that God exists in all places at all times. But it is so much easier to put ourselves in a holy mindset when we are in a house of worship.
The Lord said that where two or more are gathered in his name, he is there also. (Matthew 18:20) And so, churches become sanctified, consecrated, holy places where God indeed exists. We should accept this reality of our faith – so many feel more comfortable praying when they pray in front of an altar. I am one who feels more comfortable in the Sanctuary than elsewhere, although I pray in all places.
If our church buildings are a place where God’s eyes are always watching, a place where God’s name resides, a place from which God will hear our prayers, then we should value these buildings. We should preserve and support these places.
What we must guard against, however, is the pitfall of thinking God is only in these places and that it is only in church where we can speak to God or that He hears us. We must also guard against preserving these places like a museum, where nothing is permitted to change or adapt.
The sun may reflect at only one angle, but God can see and be seen no matter where we stand.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Gather with another in the name of Jesus in a place that is not inside a church building and pray together. Make that new place a holy place also.
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