God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people – I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame…” – 2 Chronicles 1: 11-12

The bible speaks extensively about prayer:

• “You can ask anything in my name, and I will do it..” – John 14:13
• “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
• “Be anxious for nothing, but give everything to God in prayer” – Philippians 4: 6-7
• “Cast your burdens on Him for He cares for you” – 1 Peter 5: 7

But it’s interesting to know that there’s a wrong way to pray and that we can actually gain favor with God through the content of our prayers.

When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He specifically told them not to pray loudly in the open like the hypocrites who want to be seen and known for their holiness.

And He laid out the correct format for prayer when He taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer.

But God revealed something really amazing to us, that we often overlook, in His response to Solomon’s prayer.

And that’s that He loves prayers that show our genuine love for Him and for others.

Solomon didn’t ask for wisdom and understanding so that he could flaunt his superior knowledge to others.

He asked for wisdom because he sincerely loved God and his people, and wanted to lead in a way that was pleasing to God.

Solomon, like David, was after God’s character and heart, and that’s what God smiled on.

God loves us immeasurably, and He wants us to experience joy. So there’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying for our heart’s desires.

But the unselfish prayers, the prayers for better character and understanding to be able to help someone else…God really loves those.

Jesus preached in Matthew 22: 37-40 that the first and second greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

So when our prayers reflect our love of God and love for others, I think it really pleases Him.

If Solomon had asked for great wealth, God would’ve given it to him, but he would’ve missed out on the full package of blessings that were available to him.

Because in asking for wealth, he wouldn’t have been seeking the fullness of God.

So what I think we can all learn from Solomon is this:

While we pray without ceasing, we should never pray without seeking.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: Change me, God. Make me more and more like you everyday. Purify my heart and soul with your Holy Spirit. Teach me how to discern wisdom from foolishness and right from wrong so that my life will be a reflection of you. Teach me how to be more compassionate, loving, and fair so I can successfully lead those who don’t know you to your throne. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.