WHAT INFORMS YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS

MEMORY VERSE: And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment. 1 Kings 3:11

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 16-19

People in love give gifts to one another. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…’ God gave us His son out of love. Out of love, Solomon gave one of the biggest offerings a man ever gave to God: a thousand burnt offerings (2 Kings 3:4-14). The Lord reciprocated the love by paying him a visit. ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’ He asked. Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. 1 Kings 3:10 says: ‘And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’

Why did Solomon’s request please God? 1 Kings 3:11 says: ‘And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;’ God used the phrase ‘asked for thyself’ three times. He was referring to the fact that Solomon did not ask anything for himself. Rather, he asked for what will enable him to serve the people better. The prayer and requests of Solomon were not all about what he wanted for himself but what he wanted for others and God was extremely pleased. A request that you make to God that has in it, a focus on how you can be a blessing to others pleases Him more than those which is focused on what only you can get. Also, Solomon’s request was from a humble heart. Psalm 51:17 says: ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ Solomon, in his request, acknowledged that he didn’t have what it takes; viz., wisdom, an understanding heart, etc., to lead the people. When you accept that you are weak and you ask God for strength, He is pleased. Solomon’s request was motivated by nothing but love for the people of God. His request was not motivated by hatred, greed, anger, rebellion, or jealousy.

QUESTION: What informs your prayer requests? Do you ask for things from God out of envy or jealousy? Do you ask God for things of temporal value or eternal value?

NOTE: Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Ask for power to create wealth rather than wealth. Ask for more of Him rather than more of things.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.