1 Kings 3:5-13 (NRSV)
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Verse 5At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I should give you." Verse 6And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. Verse 7And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Verse 8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Verse 9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?" Verse 10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. Verse 11God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, Verse 12I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. Verse 13I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you.
Devotion
In today’s reading, Solomon asks God for an understanding mind with wisdom to govern God’s people well and discern between good and evil. The theme I will follow this week is discernment. What do we ask God for? How do we seek God’s will? What does Jesus ask of us? To help us think about discernment, I share with you some prayer petitions by my friend, Kathy Ginsbach:
-Loving God, show me how to love others who see issues differently than I do so I can live out your command to love my neighbors.
-Generous God, teach me daily to give thanks for the many blessings in my life so that I may be a blessing to others in need.
-God of compassion, give me words to reach out to others who are sick, depressed, or lonely so I may sow seeds of hope even in difficult circumstances.
Discernment is rarely easy. We need God’s wisdom. But, be assured, the Spirit is with us as we pray.
Prayer
Gracious God, hear our prayers for wisdom to follow your teachings. Forgive us when we stumble. Dream in us. Amen.