Small Requests, Large God

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem… [and] told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.” 1 Kings 10:1-5

The queen in all her pomp and royal authority could not out-splendor nor out-wise God’s king. Having heard about his vast wealth and wisdom, she came to see Solomon for herself, and realized immediately there was no equal between regals. All she wondered, he surpassed. All she asked, he gave more. Her inquiries and gifts were infinitesimal compared to his vast wisdom and resources. And so are we when coming to our King, measureless in compassion and love, infinite in resources. (1 Kings 10:13; Psalm 103:5-13; Ephesians 3:20)

Consider a few of the many small prayers in Scripture:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 19:14; 139:23-24

“O Lord,.. give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” “Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads… Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight.” “Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.” “Remember me, O my God, for good.” Nehemiah 1:11; 4:4-5; 5:19; 13:31

People of God who know Him through saving grace and ongoing communion converse with Him about everything. We know how to voice immediate needs, and the longings of the soul. We cry for wisdom, favor, self-control. Praying words convey both confidence and dependence. Do these describe us?

The key to big asking is marveling at the capacity and largesse of the Grantor. It is acknowledging our smallness before His greatness, our insufficiency before His vast resources, our need before His delight to answer. He’s concerned with all that concerns us. (Psalm 138:8; Matthew 7:7-8; 1 Peter 5:7)

We focus on the small things of life because they require immediate attention. When we take time to bring these cares before the Lord and pray over specific detail, God answers within His wider purposes. His providence encompasses both small and great.

What requests do I have of God today? What needs for perspective and tangible help? If my words and meditations need tethering to the Rock, my actions need skill or success, my heart needs correction or cleansing, ask largely!

I am coming to a King, I can ask Him anything!

Lord, keep me diligent in small specific prayer, trusting the greatness of Your plans, power, and glory. (Job 42:2)