By Patrick Thornton
“Give therefore your servant a hearing heart to lead the people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to lead so great a people? The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life; nor have you asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked the life of your enemies;
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By Patrick Thornton
"Give therefore your servant a hearing heart to lead the people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to lead so great a people? The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life; nor have you asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked the life of your enemies; but have asked for yourself a hearing heart; behold, I have done according to your words: lo, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart..." Since reading this passage at age 12, a wish for a wise and hearing heart has been my abiding prayer, my first love.
Patrick Thornton, True Compassionate Practice, is a grievance counselor living in Antioch, California.
