Tuesday of Week 5 – 1 Kings 8:22-23,27-39; Psalm 84; Mark 7:1-13

The prayer of Solomon on the day the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the newly built temple.

Hear the entreaty of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place. From heaven where your dwelling is, hear; and, as you hear, forgive.

They had God close to them in the temple. At the same time, Solomon did not forget, and did not guarantee anything from a “vending machine”. They can’t realise their own plans by getting God to serve their plans. There’s no way, not by any means, including magic, to make Him be on our side. He will always be on the side of what is right. He may sometimes bend to the the request of a person, but He will never be forced to do anything . . . .

It’s good to ask ourselves: am I asking God or am I telling God, trying to get Him to serve my ideas? There is a difference.

Lord Jesus, do not let me assume that what I want I deserve to be given. May I always be humble in prayer, accepting Your Divine wisdom and be grateful for Your concern about what is right for me. You reign for ever and ever. Amen.