A Prayer That Pleases the Heart of God

[한알의 밀알]

Text: 1 Kings 3:4–15 Title: A Prayer That Pleases the Heart of God

                                                                                              Preacher : YoungNak Church of Hawaii, Rev. Chun Woong Kim

Introduction

Dear brothers and sisters,

At the beginning of this new year, we started with the Prayer of Jabez,

asking God to bless us and expand our territory.

Last week, we reflected on the Prayer of Agur, learning to ask not for more,

but for what is fitting for us, and to live with a clear identity before God.

Yet, only a short time into the new year,

we often find ourselves returning to prayers focused only on survival—our worries, needs, and daily concerns.

Today, through Solomon’s prayer,

we want to see what kind of prayer truly pleases God

and how we should live as God-centered people in the year ahead.

Point 1. Standing Before God in True Worship (vv. 4–7)

After becoming king, Solomon went to Gibeon and offered a thousand burnt offerings.

This was not simply about the number of sacrifices—it revealed Solomon’s heart.

Although he was king, Solomon first placed himself before God.

In verse 7, he says, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.”

This is not false humility.

It is an honest recognition of his limitations before the sovereignty of God.

Solomon acknowledges that although he sits on the throne, God is the true King.

God delights in those who know their place before Him.

True worship is not a tool to solve our problems,

but a declaration that God reigns over our lives.

Point 2. A Prayer for Mission, Not for Self (vv. 8–9)

When God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you,”

Solomon did not ask for wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies.

Instead, he prayed for a discerning heart—the ability to listen and judge rightly

—so that he could govern God’s people well.

The key is not simply that Solomon asked for wisdom,

but why he asked for it.

He prayed not for personal gain,

but to fulfill the mission God had entrusted to him.

God is pleased with prayers that flow from responsibility and calling,

not from selfish desire.

Our prayers, too, must move from “What do I want?” to “How can I faithfully serve

what God has entrusted to me?”

Point 3. God’s Added Blessing to a Prayer That Pleases Him (vv. 10–15)

Verse 10 tells us clearly:

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.”

Because Solomon sought God’s will first, God granted him wisdom—and more.

In verse 13, God says,

“I will also give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor.”

This is God’s principle.

When we seek God’s kingdom and purpose first,

He takes responsibility for our needs.

God’s wisdom is more valuable than material wealth

because it teaches us how to live rightly before Him.

Conclusion

As we begin this year, let us hold on to these prayers—

the Prayer of Jabez, the Prayer of Agur, and today, the Prayer of Solomon.

Let us not remain in prayers driven only by survival,

but lift up prayers shaped by God’s calling and purpose.

Those who offer prayers that please

God will experience His grace added upon grace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for allowing us to examine our prayers at the beginning of this year.

Forgive us for the times when our prayers have been shaped only by our worries and desires.

Like Solomon, give us listening hearts—hearts that seek Your wisdom

so that we may faithfully fulfill the responsibilities You have entrusted to us.

May our prayers delight Your heart,

and may we experience the grace You add to those who seek You first.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!