Topic: A PRAYER THAT PLEASED HEAVEN
Text: 1 Kings 3:10-15
3:10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
3:11 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,
3:12 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.
3:13 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.
3:14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen[a] your days.”
3:15 Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
STUDY:
In our text, we see that Solomon’s request pleased the Lord (1 Kings 3:10). This verse has always taught me that certainly there are prayers or requests that do not please God (James 4:3). God gave Solomon and open cheque to ask whatever he desired, and God was pleased at the priority of Solomon which centered on what he needed to succeed in the task that God, in His providence, had put on him. It showed the state of Solomon’s heart towards God and His work. We must learn here from Solomon who chose the way of virtue rather than that of pleasure – “An understanding heart to judge.” The virtue here is that he chose a moral, rather than any other gift. And God was pleased with the noble, unselfish request.
The challenge for us today is to examine the nature of our prayers before God. Are our requests noble or selfish? Many are praying for promotion, comfort and prestige. It is about their personal status, and we cover this by claiming we want to be kingdom financiers. We cunningly add spiritual dimensions to our carnal requests and think we can fool others. God saw the intent of Solomon’s heart and the bible recorded that God was pleased. All hearts are open to God and He sees our motives. We must repent today from our selfish ambitions and prayers and let our desires align with divine purpose.
Prayer:
Lord, may the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight.
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