Old Testament

New Testament

1 Kings 8:32-44 Good News Bible Catholic Edition (GNBDK)

32. O Lord, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty one as he deserves, and acquit the one who is innocent.

33. “When your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and then when they turn to you and come to this Temple, humbly praying to you for forgiveness,

34. listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of your people, and bring them back to the land which you gave to their ancestors.

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.

44. “When you command your people to go into battle against their enemies and they pray to you, wherever they are, facing this city which you have chosen and this Temple which I have built for you,

Read complete chapter 1 Kings 8