1 Kings 3:5
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
After King David’s death, Solomon became the ruler of Israel. One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him to request anything he desired. Solomon’s response was profound and selfless:
1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
This request greatly pleased God, as it showed Solomon’s humility and desire to serve his people wisely.
Consider these key points from Solomon’s prayer:
- God Wants Us to Pray: God desires His people to communicate with Him through prayer.
- God Wants to Give: God would not ask us to pray if He did not intend to grant our requests.
- Humility in Prayer: Solomon’s humble words in 1 Kings 3:7-8 demonstrate the importance of approaching God with humility.
- Specific Requests: God is pleased when we ask for specific things, showing our dependence on Him for guidance and provision.
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom highlights the seriousness of his role as king and his recognition of his own unworthiness. By asking for an understanding heart, Solomon sought to lead his people justly, which pleased God immensely. As a result, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and understanding.
Every day, we have the opportunity to ask God for things. To understand ourselves better, we should consider how we spend our time, money, and what we pray for. Do our prayer requests please God? Are we truly seeking to do His will? These are essential questions for a successful prayer life.