Second, Christians must humble themselves before God once again. King Solomon of ancient Israel built a beautiful temple for the worship of God. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
Humility comes first.
Sometimes Christians are an arrogant bunch that imply by their self-righteousness that they have all the answers, that they have a corner on goodness, and that all others are somehow inferior. I've been in that place. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord and admit to Him that our rigid morality, our church programs, our organizations are worthless unless HE blesses them and unless HE is at work in and through us. When I really have a sense that without Him, my efforts are not going to produce much of anything lasting, then I will pray. When we want to know God and not just enjoy His blessings, then we are really praying.