1 Kings 1-7

The transfer of power from the ailing King David to son Solomon was a brutal process: family & friend rivalries (ch1), revenge killings to harness power, (ch2) and alliances with pagan nations (3:1). It is far from a “holy” transition. In the middle of all this, Solomon prays an honest prayer when he asks for wisdom to rule God’s people. (3:8-9)

God answers our prayers prayed in honest, if even, imperfect faith. It reminds us that God is a “good Father” ready to give us “good gifts” (Matt 7). When we come to him as humble, “little children” (3:7), God answers according to His goodness and mercy and not our deservingness.