Articles
A Leader's Prayer
The Bible describes Solomon as the wisest man who had ever lived in his day (1 Kings 4:29-34). This wisdom was not the product of his own study and observation, though I’m sure he had plenty of that. (Odie note: He did possess wisdom already, however, because he was wise enough to ask for wisdom.) Rather, scripture tells us that Solomon’s wisdom was bestowed upon him by God in answer to the king’s request. At the beginning of his reign, the Lord spoke to the young ruler in a dream and offered to give him whatever was asked. Instead of riches and power 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. 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. 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. 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?” (1 Kings 3:6-9 ESV)
We are often, and rightly, impressed with Solomon’s request that God give him wisdom to govern a nation. He shows humility by recognizing his own limitations. He demonstrates a need to grow himself so that the people can grow. Furthermore, he acknowledges the necessity of God’s hand in the past, present, and future to succeed in this role.
Consider the elements of this prayer are applicable to all leadership positions. Most of us are responsible for leading someone. Do any of the following apply to you?
Husbands > Households
Parents > Children
Teachers > Classrooms
Coaches > Teams
Managers > Shift Teams
Bosses > Employees
Deacons > Ministry Teams
Elders > Congregations
The likelihood is that many reading this wear multiple hats like those above. If the roles are new, then perhaps you are touched by the same feeling of being overwhelmed like Solomon. For those who have been leading for a while, maybe the angst is gone, but the need for wisdom is not. You still have limitations, growth-potential, and the need for God’s hand in your work.
Today, I call upon all leaders to reflect on Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. Inserting your specific situations into the text, make this prayer your own. Learn from the wisest of men to verbalize the need for more wisdom, and our great God will provide what we need in abundance.
