Asking
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 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. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke–and he realized it had been a dream.
He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court. (1 Kings 3:10-15)

In his dream, Solomon asked God to “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (verse 9). And God was pleased with his request. He not only gave him what he had asked for but also what he did not ask for: “both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings” (verse 13). And if he obeyed God’s statutes and commands, Solomon would also have long life (verse 14).

What Solomon didn’t ask for was as important as what he did ask for. He didn’t ask for four things: “long life”, “wealth for yourself”, “the death of your enemies” (verse 11) and “honor” (verse 13). When we look at these things we are reminded of what Jesus taught. About honor, Jesus taught “the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:25-26); about enemies, Jesus taught “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44); about wealth, Jesus taught “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24); and about life, Jesus taught us not to worry saying “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

What things do you want to ask God for? What things should you not ask for? How can your prayer requests give glory to God?

Prayer:
Jesus tells us: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”(Matthew 6:33)
Let these words lead your prayer.