As a child, I often heard about Solomon’s prayer from adults who emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom from God rather than asking for wealth or material blessings. At the time, this concept didn’t fully resonate with me. However, studying this passage recently has provided me with deeper insights into Solomon’s mindset after his father David passed away. Remembering that David was a man after God’s own heart, and recalling how Solomon observed David’s relationship with the Lord and learned to worship through him, has been enlightening. The story, recorded in 1 Kings 3:3-14, offers valuable lessons on how to pray effectively.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom to do what You have put me on this earth to do, in a way that pleases You and serves the people You have placed in my life.
Solomon’s Encounter with God
3 And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, …
4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, as it was the most significant high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.
5 At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
Practical Lessons on Prayer:
- Pray with Humility: Solomon acknowledged his limitations and his need for God’s guidance. When we approach God in prayer, we should do so with humility, recognizing our dependence on Him.
- Pray with a Pure Heart: Solomon’s love for God was evident in his actions and words. Our prayers should come from a heart that loves God and desires to walk in His ways.
- Pray for Wisdom: Solomon could have asked for long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. When we pray, we should seek wisdom and understanding, which are more valuable than worldly riches.
- Pray According to God’s Will: Solomon’s request aligned with God’s will for him as a king. When we pray, our requests should align with God’s will and His purposes.
- Trust in God’s Provision: God not only granted Solomon’s request but also gave him riches and honor. This teaches us to trust in God’s provision. He knows our needs and is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Prayer Example/Template:
Are you supposed to do something, but you don’t know how to do it? Or do you know how to do it but realize you should seek God’s face and have Him back you up? Here is a prayer based on Solomon’s prayer:
- Father, Mother, Husband, Wife: Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to be the [father/mother/husband/wife] You want me to be, in a way that pleases You and serves these children You have given me to serve.
- Entrepreneur: Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to be the business owner You put me here to be, in a way that pleases You and serves the clients You want me to serve.
Solomon’s prayer teaches us to approach prayer with humility, to pray from a pure heart, to seek wisdom, to align our prayers with God’s will, and to trust in His provision. As we apply these lessons to our prayer life, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our spiritual journey.
Tips for Developing a Consistent Prayer Life:
- Set a Specific Time: Just like any important appointment, set aside a specific time each day for prayer. It could be in the morning when you wake up, during your lunch break, or before you go to bed. Consistency is key.
- Find a Quiet Place: Find a place where you can pray without distractions. It could be a specific room in your house, a spot in your backyard, or even a quiet park.
- Use a Prayer Journal: A prayer journal can help you keep track of your prayers and God’s answers. It can also be a place where you write down scriptures that speak to you during your prayer time.
- Pray the Scriptures: Use the Bible in your prayers. You can pray the Psalms as personal prayers or use Paul’s prayers in his letters as a guide.
- Include Different Types of Prayers: Your prayer life can include prayers of thanksgiving, confession, intercession (praying for others), and petition (asking for your needs).
- Practice Listening: Prayer is not just about talking to God; it’s also about listening. Spend part of your prayer time in silence, allowing God to speak to you.
- Be Persistent: Jesus encouraged persistence in prayer. Even when you don’t see immediate answers, keep praying.
- Join a Prayer Group: Praying with others can be a powerful way to strengthen your prayer life. Consider joining a prayer group in your local church or community.
- Use a Prayer App: There are several apps available that can help you structure your prayer time and remind you to pray.
- Pray Without Ceasing: Make prayer a part of your everyday life. You can pray while driving, working, or doing chores. God is always listening.
Ultimately, the goal of prayer is not to get what we want, but to deepen our relationship with God. As you spend more time in prayer, you’ll find your faith growing and your life transforming. So, start today, and make prayer a priority in your life.
