9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
1 Kings 3:9 ESV
59 Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, 60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.
1 Kings 8:59-60 ESV
Interesting contrast between these two prayers of Solomon. The first was at the beginning of his monarchy and the second comes after several years and many battles when the kingdom of Israel is in a time of peace.
Both of his prayers have an outward focus: first is for personal wisdom to govern effectively, the second is for national success as a testament to God's greatness. But neither prayer focuses on personal gain for Solomon himself.
Do our prayers follow Solomon's example? When we pray for personal situations is our goal to benefit ourselves or to further God's kingdom?
I wonder how different my prayers would sound if each one was truly offered with the mindset of bringing glory to our heavenly Father, as a witness to His love, grace, and mercy. Success for that project at work so we can give Him workplace thanks. A good deal on that new home so the large basement can host a Life Group. Personal healing that will enable a more passionate dedication to missions.
Scripture is replete with prayers for self, but the ultimate goal should be obedience to God and the furtherance of His kingdom.
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