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March 3, 2008 “The Greatest Prayer!”
One of the greatest things that could be said of King Solomon is that he was a man of prayer. He was also a man of wisdom. I believe the two are inseparably linked. This belief is born out in the New Testament writing of James where he tells us, “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God!” (James 1:5) Solomon’s greatness can be easily recognized in the books that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write.
- Song of Solomon written in his younger years
- Proverbs written in his adult years
- Ecclesiastes written in the concluding years, are all credited to him. These certainly deserve our study and meditation.
Today, I want to address some issues of Solomon’s prayer from I Kings 3:5-12. (You might enjoy noting that the Lord appears to Solomon two times. See I King 9:3 for the second appearing….there is indeed a hint of prophecy in these two appearances of the Lord!)
The first appearance is in I Kings 3:5. “In Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give thee!’”
How would you like to have a “check on the bank of heaven like that?”
Solomon’s immediate response is in verse 6. (Remember, context is important; please read it all). He reminds God of His blessings upon his father David. He makes this reminder with a genuine sense of appreciation.
- Vs 6 “And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David, my father, great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.”
Solomon now reveals his own sense of need and shortcomings.
- Vs 7 “And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king ….. and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.”
He then reveals his responsibility that is at once overwhelming!
- Vs 8 “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, who cannot be numbered or counted for multitude.”
And now his request in prayer is just absolutely awesome!
- Vs 9 “Give, therefore, thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy great people?”
What follows is one of the most profound activities of God that you will ever read. God not only answered his prayer specifically, but He also gave him things that he didn’t ask for!
- Vs 12 “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee…”
- Vs 13 “And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor….”
The lesson to be learned might just be as simple as reading these verses. If we could possibly pray unselfishly and ask for the right things (wisdom, mercy, grace, godliness and commitment) to help and lead others we could very possibly receive above and beyond anything that we could possibly comprehend. You see prayer is important. I fear that (for me personally) I lose many blessings and opportunities because I have not spent an adequate amount of time in prayer! So I am asking you today! “Has the prayer of Solomon challenged you to re-think what you are asking for and how you are praying?” I hope that is the case.
I have carefully confessed my desire to do better in this matter of prayer and in asking for the right things!
“…let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer…” (Psalm 19:14)
Again, may the richest blessings of our Lord be upon you.
Sincerely, Pastor Ed Sears
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