If you were to honestly look at the content of your prayers, how much of them would be for your own needs? This isn’t bad. In fact the Scriptures say this:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Php 4:6).
God invites us to present our requests to him. David often prayed for the needs he had–deliverance from enemies, help, thanking God for comfort, etc… This is Biblical.
And then there’s the king and rulers that come into power. Many start off well, wanting to serve the people, but then begin to enjoy the comforts of the job and justify the job serving them. It’s an easy trap to fall into.
So when God offered to Solomon to ask what he wanted, he did something fantastic. He didn’t ask for wealth, long-life, glory, etc… He asked for wisdom to rule the people (2 Chr 1:10). It was the most unselfish thing he could ask for and showed he wanted to use his power to serve, not to be served (Mt 10:28).
“Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of Yours?” (2 Chr 1:10).
The Lord was honored with that request and not only gave him the wisdom he asks for, but decided to grant him the other things as well–“riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you” (2 Chr 12).
God sees what is in the heart of leaders. Whether it is the heart to pass rules for others that they do not themselves follow, or whether they are willing to use their position to serve the people instead of the people serving their own interests.
It makes me think of my own prayers and the subtle difference. Do I want and pray for specific ministry opportunities that I want to serve in? Or do I pray God use my gifts and abilities to help others? Is it about getting to walk in my gift or is it about using my gifts to build up others? Am I more burdened for myself or burdened for others?
Perhaps subtle differences but they make all the difference in the attitude of our hearts and the approach of what we do.
