Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people,
that I may discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9, NKJV).

When King David died and left the kingdom to his son Solomon, God gave Solomon the option to make one request—no restrictions—and God would answer. Exhibiting an already wise and humble spirit, the new king asked for “an understanding heart” so that he could “discern between good and evil.”
I wonder how many of us or our leaders—whether in government or the Church—would ask for a similar, selfless blessing. How much more likely that many would ask for riches and power and popularity! And yet, because Solomon made a request that pleased God, the Lord also granted him wealth and power.
As we in America, and those of you in other countries, approach election time, it is crucial that we petition God for leaders like Solomon, men and women who recognize their inability to govern in their own strength and wisdom, and instead humbly depend on God to provide that strength and wisdom, as well as direction and determination to do the right thing, regardless of popular opinion or personal cost.
And even as we pray for such leaders, may we also petition God daily to grant us the same humility and wisdom for ourselves, that we too might exhibit godly leadership to those who hear our words and watch our lives.