As a kid, I loved listening to records (yes, the vinyl kind). One of my favorites was called “Tales from the Arabian Nights” and had a storyteller that regaled listeners with accounts of exotic people, places, and events. The one I loved most was the story of Aladdin and the magic lamp. Sometimes I fantasized about how I would answer if a genie appeared to grant my most extravagant wishes.
Of course, those stories were pure fiction. However, there is one character in the Bible who was given the opportunity to make any request he wanted from the source of all power and authority: God Almighty. Maybe you’ve already figured out I’m talking about the story of Solomon, King David’s son and successor to the throne of Israel. Not long after being crowned the new king, Solomon went to offer sacrifices to the Lord and had an unforgettable encounter with Him. Here’s how it starts:
“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’
Solomon answered, ‘You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.’” (1 Kings 3:5-6, NIV)
Did you notice what Solomon says before making his request? He starts by recognizing the Lord’s faithfulness to his father, David, and acknowledging that the Lord is responsible for his privileged position. Despite being king, he offers humble recognition that he is merely the recipient of God’s goodness and confirms the Lord’s authority over his life.
Stop for a moment and reflect on your typical conversations with the God. Is it common for you to acknowledge Him for the ways He has provided for you and given you privilege and power? If you don’t think you have privilege or power, here are some things to consider: the family that raised you and what benefits came from it, the country where you were born and the privileges that come with being a citizen, your education and intellect, your material/ financial resources, your relationships, your children/ grandchildren, your skills, gifts and abilities, your connections, etc. Many times, we’re so focused on what we want or need from God that we forget to notice what He’s already given us. Yet Solomon stops to acknowledge the Lord first, even when he’s offered anything he wants. Perhaps we’d be wise to follow his lead in our prayers.
Let’s examine the next portion of Solomon’s interaction with God before looking at the request he makes: “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.”(1 Kings 3:7, NIV)
Note how Solomon accepts his humble position in relation to the Lord, describing himself as “only a little child.” He recognizes that as king, he is God’s servant. He understands the enormous responsibility that accompanies his privileged position. Considering this, evaluate how much you include the Lord in carrying out your regular responsibilities. Do you acknowledge God’s sovereignty? Do you invite His guidance and involvement in all areas of your life– including less “spiritual” places like work, school, volunteer positions, and social circles? Be honest. Are there areas that you’re afraid or unwilling to surrender? Will you risk humbling yourself to let Him be Lord of every part of your life?
Finally, we come to Solomon’s request:
“Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’” (1 Kings 3:8-9, NIV)
In one word, what Solomon wanted most was wisdom. And here is the result: “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (1 Kings 3:10-14, NIV)
Solomon recognized his need for God’s wisdom in governing the people of Israel, and this pleased the Lord. He not only granted Solomon’s request, but blessed him in many other ways as well. Maybe you’re thinking this story isn’t applicable to you. After all, most of us will never rule a kingdom. However, the New Testament promises we, too, can ask God for wisdom at any time for any circumstance–even ones that don’t seem overtly spiritual in nature. The book of James explains: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the seas, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6, NIV ’84)
Is it time to change up your prayers a bit? Instead of telling God the specifics of how you’d like Him to deal with a situation, start by praising Him for being Lord of your life. Then ask Him to equip you with the wisdom you need and leave the rest up to Him. Let Him surprise you with the blessings that flow from there.
Casting Crowns song “God of All My Days” beautifully captures this kind of prayer. Why not listen now and let the words speak for you?
Lamp Image by Vicki Nunn from Pixabay.com