1 Kings 8:23-33

23 and prayed,
24 You kept your word to David my father, your personal word. You did exactly what you promised - every detail. The proof is before us today!
25 Keep it up, God, O God of Israel! Continue to keep the promises you made to David my father when you said, "You'll always have a descendant to represent my rule on Israel's throne, on the condition that your sons are as careful to live obediently in my presence as you have."
26 God of Israel, let this all happen; confirm and establish it!
27 Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood? Why, the cosmos itself isn't large enough to give you breathing room, let alone this Temple I've built.
28 Even so, I'm bold to ask: Pay attention to these my prayers, both intercessory and personal, O God, my God. Listen to my prayers, energetic and devout, that I'm setting before you right now.
29 Keep your eyes open to this Temple night and day, this place of which you said, "My Name will be honored there,"
30 and listen to the prayers that I pray at this place. Listen from your home in heaven and when you hear, forgive.
31 When someone hurts a neighbor and promises to make things right, and then comes and repeats the promise before your Altar in this Temple,
32 listen from heaven and act accordingly: Judge your servants, making the offender pay for his offense and setting the offended free of any charges.
33 When your people Israel are beaten by an enemy because they've sinned against you, but then turn to you and acknowledge your rule in prayers desperate and devout in this Temple,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.