“In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, ‘Ask what I shall give thee.'” 2 Chronicles 1:7
In a very real way God gave to Solomon a blank check, and instructed him to fill it out. It was at the same time an opportunity for great blessing, but moreso, it was a test to see the intent of this new king of Israel, this son of David. We do not know what was going on in Solomon’s mind during the time leading up to David’s death, and the transfer of the authority and responsibility of the kingdom to Solomon. That which we do know, and certainly Solomon before God was leaning heavily upon it, was his calling. He was desginated to be the successor to David, and more specifically to rule over the nation of Israel. It was with the calling and the anointing that there came to his honest heart the conscious need for Divine wisdom to know and discern that which was right and good. If he would discharge well his responsibility before God, then he would need to receive from God, the blessing of His wisdom. For this he prayed: “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?” (2 Chr. 1:10) This is the prayer, the effective prayer, that God answered. Such was the case of Elijah also, according the Epistle of James: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” (James 5:16,17) In both cases, for Solomon and Elijah, prayer was made. But it was a prayer that pleased God, was prayed earnestly, and was perfectly aligned with the will and purpose of God. How then should we pray, since the Apostle John wrote: “If we ask any thing according to His will He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we KNOW that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” (1 John 5:14,15)
Where do we seek the pattern and power to pray in an effective manner, in a manner that God will honor, and where He answers prayer? The answer is found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians when he writes: “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.” (3:1) What then are these things?
The first and foremost is probably that of the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Why would this be so? When Christ came to this earth, He did so as a helpless baby, born in a stable, and raised as a carpenter’s son. He never knew the luxury of palaces, as by His own words, he had nowhere to lay His head. He did not own house nor home. He took upon Himself flesh, dwelt among us, in order to reach out to save all. Christ did not lay aside any pride, for He had none. But He was clothed with humility, thus making Himself available to all men, that He might save them. If the believer would be fruitful, then he must be humble, never proud. If God would receive all the glory in his life, then Christ’s meekness and lowliness are essential, and must dominate the life.
Secondly, Solomon gives us clear direction as to the need for “wisdom and knowlege.” It is not a the wisdom and knowledge of this world, but that which comes from God. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that their love would abound, “…yet more in knowledge and in all judgment.” (1:9) Love is directional, and wise, and very practical. The power of such loves lies in its source, Christ, and how God would have us to love others.
Thirdly, Scripture tells us, with regard to the Lord Jesus, “…the zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up.” (Jn. 2:17) Christ’s zeal is essential.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.