Does it matter where we pray? (1 Kings 8:29-30)

The Lord can hear our prayers no matter where we are. Jonah discovered that the Lord heard his prayer even from the belly of a fish. Even in the depths, the Lord is with us (Psalm 139:8).

Talking with God in certain places or positions can have a positive effect on our prayers. Locations that we consider holy, like a church or place of personal devotions, can enhance our feeling of reverence for God. Kneeling when we pray or bowing our heads can affect our sense of humility. Holding our hands open to heaven can increase our sense of submission to God.

Solomon's dedication of the temple as a place of prayer reminds us that holy places enrich our worship. There are many such holy places described in the Bible, for example: Jacob's pillar, which he called the house of God (Gen 28:10-22); the site of the burning bush where Moses removed his sandals (Exodus 3:5); Daniel's place of prayer in pagan Babylon, where he always faced Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10) and the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus wrestled with the prospect of suffering and death (Matt. 26:36).

God does not want people of prayer to rely too much on sacred places. Even the temple was not immune from destruction when the hearts of the Israelites wandered too far from God.

Quest Study Bible, page 457.
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