“The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?”” (vv. 4-5)

It ought to stop us in our tracks.

Holy God asks Solomon the question. Think of it! The Sovereign Lord of everything asks the man what he wants.

And Solomon answers—humbly, famously, admirably—for wisdom, so he can lead well.

It’s a compelling moment.

But look back to the question itself: God does indeed break in according to His own sovereign will, yet there is more to the picture than divine capriciousness. What was Solomon doing in the hours before his vision?

He was worshiping. And doing so generously.

(Never mind that he was doing it in the wrong place. That gets addressed later in the chapter.)

We who desire the voice of God in our lives ought to prepare the ground—of our minds, and of our hearts—with radical worship. This comes before that. It’s not transactional; it’s logical. Worship and offerings give practical evidence to our faith—and God honors those who honor Him.

So, if you want to have a life God speaks into, submit it to Him in worship.

— Tyler