God’s Word of Prayer
Introduction
1 Kings 3:1-15: When the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream, the young king asks God for the wisdom to rule his people. God is so pleased that Solomon has asked for wisdom that God promises to make him rich and respected as well.
Scripture Reading
Solomon Prays for Wisdom
(2 Chronicles 1.3-12)
1Solomon made an alliance with the king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. He brought her to live in David’s City until he had finished building his palace, the Temple, and the wall around Jerusalem. 2A temple had not yet been built for the Lord, and so the people were still offering sacrifices at many different altars. 3Solomon loved the Lord and followed the instructions of his father David, but he also slaughtered animals and offered them as sacrifices on various altars.
4 On one occasion he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices because that was where the most famous altar was. He had offered hundreds of burnt offerings there in the past. 5That night the Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him, “What would you like me to give you?”
6Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relation with you. And you have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place. 7O Lord God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don’t know how to rule. 8Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted. 9So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?”
10The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this, 11and so he said to him, “Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies, 12I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again. 13I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king. 14And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.”
15Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. Then he went to Jerusalem and stood in front of the Lord‘s Covenant Box and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. After that he gave a feast for all his officials.
Today’s Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:9a
So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil.
Reflect
Reread 3:5-15. For what specifically does Solomon ask? How does God respond? What would you have asked for if you were chosen to be a ruler of a great country? What is your prayer for the leaders of nations today?
Pray
Almighty God, bless the leaders of all the nations with the wisdom they need to rule people with justice and to know the difference between right and wrong. Grant them strength and courage to lead your people. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
1 Kings 8:1-21: Solomon brings the Covenant Box to the Temple.