דברי הימים ב, פרק ו׳, פסוק כ״א

Prayer often bridges the gap between the individual and the community, as well as between earth and heaven. The one praying binds his personal requests together with the needs of the entire nation. He asks that just as God hears his own personal pleas, He should equally listen to and accept the prayers of all the Israelites [מצודת דוד].

These prayers are offered directly within a specific physical space on earth [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, God does not physically dwell in this earthly location to listen. Rather, the words spoken below rise upward and are heard by Him in heaven [מצודת דוד]. As a result of this connection, God hears their requests, accepts them with mercy, and grants forgiveness for the sins of the one praying [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].