Pleasing Prayer

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” (1Ki 3:10 AV)

 

The pleasure of the LORD here is not juxtaposed with being disappointed or displeased.  Rather, the LORD was impressed with that for which Solomon asked when Solomon could have asked for other things.  So, what was it that Solomon asked for?  Was it lands?  Nope.  Was it wealth?  Nope.  Was it a long life?  Nope.  Was it a good marriage or lots of children?  Nope.  Did Solomon ask for the life of his enemies or cooperative relationships with his neighbors? Nope.  Did Solomon as for fame or recognition?  Nope.  All these things would be appropriate for a man in his position.  They would be right for a king to desire.  Rather, what Solomon asked for more than anything else was wisdom.  He did not ask for wisdom that he be the smartest man alive.  He did not ask for wisdom that he might personally profit from it.  He asked the LORD for wisdom that he might serve Him and the people well.  His biggest concern was what God had called him to do and the ability to do it.  In short, Solomon asked the LORD for the one thing that would please God the most and would bring glory to Him rather than the throne.  This got me thinking.  How much of what I ask for is God pleased with?

We all get asked what we want for our birthdays.  As children, we tend to think of a consumable.  We want a new toy.  We want some clothes.  We want a device others have.  Or, we want a party with lots of presents.  We want our favorite meal.  We want our favorite cake.  For me, it was a chocolate bunt cake because no sibling likes the coconut filling on the inside.  I got my cake and could eat it, too.  All of these things my parents were happy to give.  It was my special day.  They were happy to give a card with money as much as a new jumping jack.  Whatever was on my list, as long as they could afford it, they got it for me.  And there was no disappointment with it.  However, there comes a time in your life when you do not want a thing.  You have all that you need.  Your wish list for birthdays changes.  It is no longer what you want.  Rather, it is what you need.  A new Bible because the old one is worn and torn.  A new suit to preach in.  A pair of reading glasses to study with.  Some pens and a ruler to take notes in your Bible.  These things are not consumables.  They are tools.  Tools to be used for the glory of God and the benefit of others.  So, what changes our wish list?  Maturity.

Solomon’s prayer began with an honest evaluation of his age and abilities.  He say his weaknesses and knew they would be a great hindrance to doing what God asked.  When he asked for wisdom, that was the most grown-up thing he for which could ever ask.  He did not ask for things he would naturally want.  He did not seek things that might come about naturally.  He did not ask for anything that would serve him alone.  He asked for and received, that which God wanted him to have the most.  Wisdom.  So the question remains.  How much of what we ask for is in the perfect will of God?  How much of what we ask for is the first and most important thing to seek?  Not that God would refuse us other things.  But if we had only one thing for which we could ask, what would it be?  Answer that question and you will answer the former one.  Will what you seek be the highest priority in the heart of God?