Solomon's Prayer

I have read Solomon's prayer in I Kings 8 many times over the years and I always think it is odd that he asks for forgiveness before the people of Israel sin instead of asking for God to protect his people from the temptation to sin. However, in reading and meditating on it this week, I've come away astounded by this beautiful expression of the kingly love Solomon has for his people. In his wisdom, he seems to understand that God's people WILL sin against God. In verse 46 Solomon says, "WHEN they sin against You - for there is no one who does not sin" (My caps). The whole prayer is founded on the covenant love, grace and mercy of God for His people.
As God's people, we are blessed to live after Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. 1 John 2:1 tells us that if we sin, we have Jesus, the Righteous One, who speaks to the Father in our defense. Verse 2 proclaims, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins". But in Solomon's time, they had no such atoning sacrifice, so it makes sense that Solomon would pray for his people's sins to be forgiven before they were commited.
In light of this truth, Solomon's prayer suddenly becomes one of the most tender expressions of a loving high priestly prayer. How touching that Solomon prays in detail concerning every possible sin his people could commit - asking God over and over to hear from heaven and forgive their sin. As Solomon stands to bless the whole assembly of Israel, I hear his voice ring loud and clear:
"May He turn our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep the
commands. . . And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before
the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night." (verses 57-59)
This sounds so "fatherly" - so much like a parent's heart. It is as though Solomon gathers up the words of his prayer in his hands and tenderly relinquishes them over to The Father for Him to hold near to His heart always.
Sometimes I think my prayers might seem a bit odd to God, just like I have thought of Solomon's prayer for so many years. Not any more - I'm trusting that the Holy Spirit will take my odd prayers and tenderly relinquish them over to my loving Father for Him to hold near to His heart and make them beautiful expressions of my love for Him.