A summary of the building materials and various aspects of the temple is recorded in 1 Kings 6. A quick reading of this seven-year project gives the reader a clear picture of why this was such a grand undertaking.
The temple was clearly magnificent, but even greater was the fact that God would reveal His presence there. Other kings in the ancient world had glorious buildings to house their idols, but the temple in Jerusalem was unique because the one and only God met with His people there.
Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them, then I will establish my promise with you that I made to your father David.
I will dwell among the Israelites and will not forsake my people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:11-13).
I have attended worship services for nearly 60 years. For 50 of those years, I was responsible for the preaching portion of the service. I wish I could say that every time I attended church, it involved a personal meeting with God.
Unfortunately, meeting with God was not always the primary reason I participated in a worship service. Often, my main motive was to deliver a good sermon.
I’m not the only one who attends worship services with mixed motives. I’ve read that the number one reason people attend church services is to meet with friends. Good music and preaching are other motivating factors for church attendance.
Now that I sit in the congregation during worship rather than bearing the responsibility of ensuring the service runs smoothly, I am free to focus fully on meeting with God. I intentionally enter into a place of communion with the Lord, allowing myself to be fully present in His presence.
From this place of connection, I pray for the people around me in the congregation and for the pastor leading us. My desire is that each person—myself included—would have a genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit. I hope and expect that you follow this practice, too.
A Personal Meeting with God
Throughout Christian history, believers have discovered a profound way to meet with Jesus Christ each day. Bishop Fulton Sheen described this practice as the “Holy Hour”—a dedicated time of intimacy with God. While the traditional format is one hour, the principles can be adapted to fit any timeframe.
Incorporating these key elements will enrich your time with the Lord and open your heart to His presence.
(1) Begin with Awareness:
At the start, intentionally focus your attention on the reality that you are in God’s presence. Center both your mind and heart on this profound truth: the Creator of the universe is here with you now.
Take a moment to acknowledge this reality. Speak to God—aloud or silently—and tell Him that you are aware you are meeting with Him in this holy time together.
(2) Embrace Grace and Gratitude:
Recognize that it is only by God’s grace—not your own merit—that you, as a sinner, can enter the presence of the living God. This is the beautiful mystery of the Gospel: we are welcomed into intimacy with a holy God.
Pause to thank God for the forgiveness He has secured for you through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Let gratitude fill your heart for this unfathomable gift.
(3) Encounter Jesus Through Scripture:
Many spiritual leaders have found it invaluable to read a portion of one of the Gospels daily. If you adopt this practice, consider reading your selected passage before beginning your prayer time, allowing the Scripture to set the tone for your encounter with God.
(a) Enter the Story:
Don’t just read the passage—step into it. Place yourself within the scene as an eyewitness. If you’re reading from the Gospels, imagine yourself in the crowd. Watch what Jesus says and does. Let the story unfold around you.
(b) Observe with Intention:
Pay close attention to the dynamics at play. Notice how some people gladly receive Jesus and His message, while others resist or oppose Him. What attitudes, motives, or character traits distinguish these two groups? What do you see in yourself reflected in either response?
(c) Listen for Your Personal Message:
What does Jesus say or do in this scene? More importantly, what is He saying specifically to you through this passage? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and speak to your heart.
(d) Seek Communion, Not Just Information:
Above all, use the Scripture as a bridge to connect deeply with your Savior and Lord. Don’t settle for merely gathering information or completing a religious exercise. Press in for genuine communion with the living Christ.
Let His presence transform the words on the page into a personal encounter.
(4) Respond with Obedience:
When God promised Solomon that He would dwell among His people, He established clear conditions: “If you will walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them” (1 Kings 6:12-13). God’s presence and our obedience have always been inseparably linked.
(a) Move from Encounter to Action:
The conclusion of your holy time with God should naturally lead to a commitment to obey what He has revealed to you.
Authentic communion with the Lord always produces transformation—not just inspiration, but tangible change in how we live.
(b) Make a Specific Commitment:
End your prayer time by telling God specifically what you will do in response to what you’ve experienced. What will change in your attitudes, actions, or relationships today because you met with Him?
(c) Return Throughout the Day:
As the day unfolds, return repeatedly to this commitment. Ask God for the grace and strength to fulfill what He has called you to do.
Invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of your resolve and empower you to walk it out moment by moment.
(d) Remember: Obedience Is Love:
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Our obedience is not burdensome duty—it’s the natural overflow of a heart that has encountered the love of God.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed 1 Kings 6 on YouTube today.
Real Voices 