When the Temple building was finished, King Solomon ceremonially brought the Ark of the Covenant to it. (The Ark was the chest that held the Ten Commandments—David referred to it as “our God’s footrest” in 1 Chronicles 28:2.) After the Ark was put in place, the historian wrote that “the Lord’s glory filled the Lord’s temple.” Solomon prayed a beautiful dedication prayer, asking God to watch over the Temple and those who worshipped at it.

• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary said Solomon’s prayer recognized that “The temple provided a place of contact between human beings and God, a way for sinful people to approach a holy God, to have their sins forgiven, and to live in fellowship with him.” Can the sanctuary Resurrection has just broken ground for play a similar role in the congregation and community’s spiritual life? Do you see any differences in how it will affect people?

• What if, instead of asking for God’s forgiveness, Solomon had prayed the kind of prayer we are tempted to pray (and sometimes do): “Lord, hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear ... bless us, reward us for being your people, and give us great success.” What different spirit would such a prayer show? Which prayer is more often the type you pray?