READING: Psalm 83, 1 Chronicles 29:23-25, 2 Chronicles 1:1, 1 Kings 2:13–3:4, 2 Chronicles 1:2-6, 1 Kings 3:5-15, 2 Chronicles 1:7-13
If God were to say to you, “Ask. What should I give you?” what would you say? I’m sure we might request things on behalf of others we love, but I also assume some of our requests would reflect our sinful fallenness. Some of our requests would be selfish. That’s just the way human beings lean.
Not so for Solomon, at least in this case. His answer was likely an unusual one, at least in the eyes of other people. Other kings likely would have asked for things like solidification of power, increase in possessions, victory in battle, numbers of offspring, and length of life. Solomon could have requested such, but instead he asked for wisdom in leading God’s people. He had already been seeking the Lord like his father David, and he at the same time recognized his own youthfulness and inexperience. He knew he needed God’s help.
I am learning at this stage of life that you never outgrow the need for God’s wisdom. I’ve been in full-time ministry for 40+ years and have been a seminary professor for 26+ years, but I’m reminded every day how little I know. I remember each day how easy is to make a mistaken judgment or faulty response—especially when changing culture forces you to face things you never dreamed you would face. If I’m honest, though, I often pray for wisdom only when I face such situations. So, at this point, I am committing to include this prayer as an intentional part of my morning prayer each day.
Perhaps you would want to join me?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you need to pray this same prayer every day?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, grant me wisdom throughout this day.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 3:16-28, 2 Chronicles 2:1-18, 1 Kings 6:1-13, 2 Chronicles 3:1-14, 1 Kings 6:14-38
