May 18, 2016: SOAP #2358: 1Kings 3; 2Chron 1; Psalm 78; 2Thess 2

Scripture: 1Kings (NIV) 3:9 So 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?” 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.

Observation: Solomon did not pray for the things one might expect; he prayed for wisdom. He prayed for wisdom to discern between right and wrong. He prayed for a heart that would recognize how to govern God’s people. To please God in prayer is greatly to the advantage of the one praying. When God was pleased with Solomon’s request, He showed Himself to be extremely generous.

Application: From this prayer I see that I have the potential to please God in my praying. Prayers for myself should be aligned with how God desires to use me in His kingdom. I should reject the temptation to make selfish requests.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, make me useful. Continue working in my heart and on my abilities to improve my service. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!