We heard these words this past Sunday. Isn't it wonderful how our Creator constantly asks us this same question
in one form or another? They echo Jesus' question, “What can I do for you?”
Solomon is the king of Israel, God's chosen people. He could
have asked for anything, but he carefully considered what he needed and what would serve God best. Solomon loved God and was responsible for ruling over God’s people. He, therefore, reflected on his life and God's journey with him to this point and asked for the grace to govern the people wisely, to judge between good and evil, and to know the mind and heart of God.
Thinking of Solomon's dream and the granting of his request, we see that God wants us to be discerning and cautious in our prayers, first to discover as carefully as we possibly can what the mind of God is in a matter. What is in God's heart about the situation or
person I am praying about? Once we have tried our best to discern this, we can make our requests known to God sensibly, meaningfully, and confidently. Then we may be assured “that God works for good with those who love him, those who have been called in accordance with his purpose and turns everything to their good.” (Romans 8:28)
We often face conflicting situations and people quarrelling, all wanting us to take their part, side with them and pray for them. St Ignatius taught us to discern which voices we hear and choose to listen to and follow.
Are you in a situation with conflicting views or people?
Ponder such circumstances carefully before rushing into prayer and a list of requests for God.
Consider what might be Jesus' heart for this person or situation.
Then humbly make your requests known to the Father, who always
wants to give us the best solution.
Reflections by Reginald Venter
