Will God, then, grant any and all requests like a genie in a fairy tale? All of us who pray know that some prayers go unanswered. If the hero of a fairy tale asks for something foolish or makes a frivolous request, the genie grants it and the hero must suffer the consequences. God, however, is not an indiscriminate genie. God exercises as much judgment and discernment as any good, wise, and loving parent would. If what we request is not good for us, God will not grant it. God will give us only good gifts--gifts that lead to a deepening and strengthening of our divine-human relationship: gifts that lead to growth and maturity; gifts that can be put to use in the service of God and God's people.
Both the prayer of Jesus and the prayer of Solomon can be models for us. The prayer of Solomon is the prayer of a youth mature in the ways of prayer. Solomon's prayer is heroic. Solomon acknowledges his relationship with God humbly, reverently. He keeps his request simple and to the point. He asks for what he genuinely needs, acknowledging that all is God's. And, finally, he pleases God by having the courage to ask for one of the greater gifts.
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