“Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the assembly and spread out his hands… Then he knelt… and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart…
“’Will God indeed dwell with man on earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you..! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant.., O Lord my God…
“If your people are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn again and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you.., then hear from heaven and forgive… and bring them again to the land…
“When heaven is shut up and there is no rain.., if they pray and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, then hear and forgive.., and grant rain upon your land…
“If there is famine,.. pestilence or blight or mildew or locust or caterpillar,.. whatever plague, whatever sickness, whatever plea is made by any man.., each knowing his own affliction and sorrow and stretching out his hands, then hear from heaven and forgive and render to each whose heart you know.., that they may fear you and walk in your ways all [their] days…
“If they sin and… repent with all their heart and soul.., maintain their cause and forgive…
“’O Lord God,.. let your saints rejoice in your goodness…
Remember your steadfast love.’” 2 Chronicles 6:12-14,18-19,24-31,36,38-39,41-42
King Solomon was unique in wisdom, wealth, and renown, and nurtured an intimate relationship with his God. Having been blessed with bounty beyond measure and completed the construction of the temple, he knew every gift was from above and God alone was perfect Ruler. Men were sinners, and the Lord their only worthy Advocate. Solomon at this point took no favor for granted and humbly acknowledged man’s very real need for heavenly intercession, and prayed accordingly. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12; James 1:17)
We hum along in the pluck and pace of life deeming ourselves ok. Unless there is some drastic disaster or unusual need, we can be smug and self-sufficient and take little time to pray. We slide into a groove of desert and esteem that occludes a clear view of reality. Actually, we are wretched sinners saved and kept only by grace. Challenges will arise and bad things will happen, even to God’s beloved, and we desperately need realistic mindset and practiced response. (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:12-13)
Where are we taking God’s favor and bounty for granted? Do we take no regard for personal or universal sin, and pompously assume immunity to its consequences? Do we chafe and grouse at troubles, or accept evil from Him as well as good, believing His purposes are redemptive and sanctifying? How well do we know, and how fully do we depend on, God in prayer? (Job 2:10; James 1:2-4)
Systematic study of God’s word, regular confession and intercession in prayer, and consistent fellowship in the church will impart a realistic view of life and a humble approach to its author and sustainer. By these the Lord is honored and pleased to answer. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Colossians 1:16-17)
Father, keep me realistic in my understanding and faithful in my dependence on and praise of You. 
As the rain and snow 