Prayers that Get Answers

1 Kings 3:6–9 (ESV) 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, 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 this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 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?”

There's a lot to learn from Solomon's words to God's "blank check" moment. Let us not forget this is a dream. Dreams have a lot to say about who we are and how we see the world. Remember the dreams of Joseph were the foretaste of his calling and character. Here Solomon responds to God in his dream in a way that brings great delight to God and answers to his prayers.

First, Solomon was aware that God was good, faithful and loving. Solomon most likely knew the story of David and his mother. He understood that David was flawed yet God's grace extended toward him all his life. Proper prayer begins with knowing and declaring who God is and what He is like. You know He is a loving heavenly Father who is generous and kind.

Second, Solomon knows his station in life is from the hand of God. Verse 7 reads, "you have made your servant king in place of David". Solomon was under no illusions of being a self-made man. He also took this further, stating, "although I am but a little child." Solomon was no kid in this moment but considered himself inexperienced and in need of instruction. He will later write these words:
Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Solomon understood that wisdom begins with acknowledging your own foolishness. This has become a lost art in a world of trying to prove yourself and show yourself better than you really are. Solomon says he "doesn't know how to go out or come in." This is a euphemism for military understanding. Solomon understands that victory in war comes from God's word and not man's power or strength. 

Third, Solomon understands his role in life is for the sake of others. His request comes down to his desire to help God's chosen people. Solomon is aware that Israel has a special place in God's plans for the world and his authority is to be used to help make it happen. So he asks for wisdom to "govern (God's) people."

With this prayer, the passage concludes:

1 Kings 3:10 (ESV) It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

God then unpacks all the other things that He will give Solomon: wealth, fame and success all his days. Mind you, asking for wealth and success is not wrong. These are just things and God gives them to many people. But here Solomon knows those things are vain compared to wisdom from God. In the end, it will be Solomon's wisdom that empowers him to gain these things that others seek.

What a model prayer for all of us. To approach God with an understanding of who He is. To seek God's purpose in your place and to serve God's people with His gifts. These are the keys to prayer and they matter as much for us today as they did for Solomon almost 3000 years ago.