First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

Solomon's Dream

What do most people want? What do they really pray for?

5 In Gibeon, YHWH appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I shall give you."

Solomon said, "Now,YHWH my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am but a little child. I don't know how to go out or come in. 8 Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?"

10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; 12 behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.

World English Bible

As Solomon consolidated his royal power, but before he finished the palace and the Temple in Jerusalem, the young king made visits outside the city. On one visit to a Gibeon, a "high place" used for local worship, Solomon slept in the sanctuary hoping for dream of divine revelation. Within the famous dream, God asked the king for his heart's desire. "Wisdom," came the king's answer. Notice that wisdom had the power to deliver many of the mundane desires into Solomon's hands anyway (long life, the life of an enemy, etc.) . But wisdom was far more. It was a virtue that brought the king closer to God. For only God can give true wisdom. And God gave the young king the virtue in abundance.

When we pray, do we pray for the mundane? Or do we pray for the higher gifts? While there is certainly nothing wrong in praying for daily needs and concerns, let us not forget God can give us so much more.

What spiritual gift do you pray for? How could wisdom help you in your growth to God?