Daily devotion – God’s blessing when we pray
What are you praying for at this moment? I believe God desires us to pray so that in the act of praying, He can by His Holy Spirit move our hearts away from our own selfish needs and lead us to begin to pray for the things He desires for us to have, to know, and to do.
In 2 Chronicles, King Solomon set his face to pray. God has spoken to Solomon’s heart and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give to you?” It was an open invitation for Solomon to fulfil his own selfish desires if he so wished.
Solomon’s reply to God’s invitation teaches us a very solid lesson for our own lives – 8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”
Solomon’s response led to him becoming one of the great kings of Israel. God not only answered Solomon’s prayer but as God always does, He gave Solomon so much more because of how he prayed – 11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”
God has given us the great privilege of coming before Him in prayer. To ask Him for what we need. Could it be that the reason many people are disappointed in their prayers not being answered is because we are only seeking things for ourselves?
The next time you bow in prayer, ask the Lord to give you what He desires for you. Let Him bless you as only He can. Perhaps God too in your case like Solomon’s will give you added blessings as He did with Solomon.
Let your time of prayer be an occasion for you to be surprised by the abundance of God’s love and mercy as He seeks to so bless those He loves.