READ: 1 Kings 8-9
THINK: Reread 1 Kings 8:22-30.
What is your immediate reaction to Solomon’s candid prayer to God? Think about the statements Solomon makes and the things he asks God to do. Are they things you could let yourself ask of God? Or do they indicate a belief in qualities of God that you have not encountered or experienced? Which qualities?
PRAY: Read Solomon’s prayer one more time, this time listening for what stands out to you as representing the lack of belief you noticed in yourself when you read the passage the first time. Explore your reaction more deeply, paying attention to what it tells you about yourself. Maybe you feel that you can bring to God only desires that are completely selfless, or perhaps you don’t trust that he “relentlessly loves” you. Share with God what you uncover.
LIVE: Saint Ignatius of Loyola once said, “Everything that one turns in the direction of God is prayer.” No matter what has arisen in you during this time – irritation, fear, desire, disinterest, lack of trust in God – it can all be prayer when shared with him; its’ all part of your conversation with God. Notice how Solomon lets his anxiety and insecurity spill into his prayer to God and allow yourself to do the same.
Adapted from Eugene Peterson in Solo
throughin2.com 