Good News Bible

1 Kings 8:35-43 Good News Bible (GNB)

35. “When you hold back the rain because your people have sinned against you, and then when they repent and face this Temple, humbly praying to you,

36. listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of the king and of the people of Israel. Teach them to do what is right. Then, O Lord, send rain on this land of yours, which you gave to your people as a permanent possession.

37. “When there is famine in the land or an epidemic, or the crops are destroyed by scorching winds or swarms of locusts, or when your people are attacked by their enemies, or when there is disease or sickness among them,

38. listen to their prayers. If any of your people Israel, out of heartfelt sorrow, stretch out their hands in prayer towards this Temple,

39. hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven, forgive them, and help them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each person as he deserves,

40. so that your people may obey you all the time they live in the land which you gave to our ancestors.

41-42. “When a foreigner who lives in a distant land hears of your fame and of the great things you have done for your people, and comes to worship you and to pray at this Temple,

43. listen to his prayer. In heaven, where you live, hear him and do what he asks you to do, so that all the peoples of the world may know you and obey you, as your people Israel do. Then they will know that this Temple I have built is the place where you are to be worshipped.