Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil. – 1 Kings 3:9
God was so pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom that He blessed him beyond what he asked for with riches and honor. How often does the average Christian bring a wish list to the Lord, without considering what God desires them to ask.
Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In the garden, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus promised, “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). When an ambassador speaks for the United States, he represents the government’s wishes, not his own. Asking in the name of Jesus means asking the Father for what Jesus would have you ask. As you grow in Christ, your desires change to His desires and worldly things have less importance. Search the Scriptures, there are many things God asks you to pray for specifically, such as, “to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2), for the sick to be healed (James 5:14), and for wisdom (James 1:5).
As you pray for the United States, consider the heart of the Father. Sometimes it is difficult to pray for government officials who stand against principles you hold dear. Jesus said, “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). Pray for the eyes of U. S. citizens and government officials to be opened to salvation in Christ and that they will conduct themselves in accordance with God’s will.
Today’s Verse: 1 Kings 3:9
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?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-6
2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
