Prudent Prayer

"In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee... And Solomon said unto God... Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?  And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart... Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee" (1 Chronicles 1:7-12).  "Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?... Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth" (Proverbs 17:16,24). 

There is a way to pray that's wise;  

There is a way as well that's not.  

It matters where we set our eyes

And what will dominate our thought. 

When Solomon was young and tender,

His father's counsel then was heard. 

He sought the Lord as his Defender

And meditated on His Word. 

There was a time when God required  

A prayer from Solomon one night,

To ask whatever he desired,

And what he prayed was surely right. 

The opportunity was seized: 

He prayed for wisdom that he needed. 

God granted this and He was pleased

To add more blessings that exceeded. 

A fool may ask for wisdom too,

Yet when it comes, it is refused.

We need our hearts revived anew

As on the Scriptures we have mused.

O what a privilege now is ours

As God tells us to ask as well,

So we may shine as do the stars

As we hold forth the Word we tell! 

The fool is surely cherishing

The things that fade upon this earth;

Yet all these things are perishing,

And thus have no eternal worth. 

Lord, teach us also how to pray,

And give to us a prudent heart

That we may please You still today,

Equipped with wisdom You impart. 

Lord, show us by the prudent prayer

To pray for values that are true

And intercede with heaven's care

For souls to put their trust in You.