1 Kings 2 | A Wise Prayer

Solomon had been appointed to follow the greatest king in history, his father David. At the beginning of his reign, there was a beautiful exchange with the Lord.

SOLOMON’S PRAYER

In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish me to give you.” Then Solomon said, “You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:5-9)

GOD’S ANSWER

It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.” (vs. 10-14)

THE HUMILITY OF THIS PRAYER

Solomon acknowledges his need and inability. Have we done that today? Solomon could have asked anything for himself, but rather he asked that which would help others, glorify God and expand God's kingdom. Is that the basis of my prayers--my motivation--today?

God was pleased with Solomon's heart. Notice that God is not a grudging God. He longs to give us the kingdom. Because he sensed in his servant both humility and selflessness, he granted him not only his request but more. He knew Solomon could be entrusted with both.

Lord, let me walk in humility and selflessness today. Let me think and long for the bigger picture of your kingdom and the good of others.