An Unselfish Request

I Kings 3:5-14 (KJV) In this scripture the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he would like to be given. Solomon responds by saying you showed my father, David great mercy as he walked before you in truth, righteousness, and with an upright heart. You also showed great kindness in keeping your promise to him, when you gave him a son to sit on his throne. Solomon responded further by saying, you have made me King, successor to my father's throne and ruler over a great multitude of people, but I am inexperienced. Therefore, I ask that you give me an understanding heart to judge the people in order for me to discern good from bad. This pleased the Lord greatly. The Lord said to Solomon because you did not ask for long life, riches, or that your enemies be delivered to you, but instead ask for understanding to discern judgment, I have given you what you ask for a wise and understanding heart, and I have also given you riches and honor. The Lord then tells Solomon that if he will follow Him, and lead a righteous life as did his father David, he will add long life to the list of his blessings.

Solomon could have ask the Lord for anything that he wanted, but he opted to ask for an understanding heart in order to judge the people fairly. Many people would have ask for something personal that would benefit them directly, yet Solomon ask for something that would benefit the multitudes he was to rule over. This speaks volumes as to his character, and what kind of man he was.

 In Matthew 6:7-8 (KJV) Jesus tells us not to be like the heathen and use vain repetitions, when we pray. He tells us that our Father knows what we need before we even ask him. When we go to God in prayer we should remember that he knows our needs, and that there is an enormous difference in needing something, and wanting it. For example, we may need a vehicle to get back and forth to work, but we don't need that vehicle to be the most expensive one made.


I would like to encourage you to think on the things you ask of the Lord. Are they truly needs? Or are they shallow and self-serving? If we, like Solomon ask for things from the heart that are of necessity, and remember to include others in our prayers, it is pleasing to God. When we go to him in prayer just to say thank you for our blessings and to tell him how much we love him, this pleases him also. We are his children, and he loves us dearly. He wants to bless us, and he desires happiness for each of us. If we live righteous lives, and have an upright heart, God will rain blessings upon us in abundance.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to prayer for you leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.