Since You Have Asked for Wisdom to Govern My People
1 Kings 3
Solomon, who became king of Israel after David, showed his love for God by walking according to the statutes of his father David. Before the temple of Jerusalem was completed, he went to Gibeon to offer a thousand burnt offerings to God.
That night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream.
“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
“You have shown great kindness to me to sit on my father’s throne. However, I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. I am here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. Who is able to govern this great people of yours? So give me a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
God was moved by Solomon’s heart through his answer.
“Since you have not asked for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice. What you have asked is so admirable. 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 riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.”
By the blessing of God, Solomon governed Israel wisely, and all the kings of the earth admired his wisdom and praised God.
God was pleased not only with the many burnt offerings which Solomon wholeheartedly offered to Him, but He was greatly moved by his heart because he cared more about his people than himself.
Prayers for others, not for ourselves, come from a heart of love. If we have a faith that can move mountains, much knowledge and the gift of prophecy, but have not love, we are nothing; everything we have is useless. When we do not seek our own good but the good of others and pray for them with love, God will give us more power.
Just as Solomon asked God to give him wisdom for his people, let us ask God to grant us the grace to love others. Then we will receive not only the blessing of saving souls but even the blessings which we have not asked for.