Heaven comes down

When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. (2 Chronicles 7:1)

At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon prayed and offered sacrifices to the Lord. In that act of worship and humility, fire came down from heaven, the glory of the Lord, the manifested presence of God came down from heaven. When God’s presence comes to us, His Kingdom comes to us. When that happens, His will is done in our lives. We need God to come to us in that manner, everyone of us.

“Today, if something must change for the Kingdom to advance concerning you, your family, your ministry or business, pray! Your power to advance comes in prayer.  

Critical areas of our culture need you—your strength, wisdom, and your effectual praying. The fervent prayer of righteous men is effectual, making much explosive power available! The Kingdom of God advances as a result of what, how, and whether you pray.

As you pray, forgive anyone or anything you hold responsible for the situation at hand. Forgiveness doesn’t mean those you forgive have to be your closest friends, nor do you have to agree with the way they think or live. What forgiveness does do is to undo wrong forces released by un-forgiveness. Those forces are stopped! Forgiving others draws a protection line between you and anything that’s not right; forgiveness means you disconnect from negative influences involved.

So stop right now. Pull aside. Take time to say aloud what you know to be God’s will in the matter. Open your heart. Draw from your understanding of the Word and say aloud your desire to align with the Word (and therefore God’s will).

Thank God for His answer and the privilege of prayer. Now, you are ready for the next assignment needing your prayers. The Kingdom advances and it seems that, literally, heaven comes down when you pray!  “

(Adopted from Shirley Weaver’s Daily Devotional)