The Prayer That King Solomon Prayed, a Pattern for All Princes, Taken Out of the Third Chapter of the Third Book of Kings

The LORD appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream of the night, and God said: [reconstructed: Ask] what I shall give you. Solomon said: You have done great mercy to my father David your servant, so that he walked before you in faithfulness and righteousness, and in a true heart with you, and this mercy have you laid up for him, and given him a son to sit upon his seat, as it is now come to pass.

Now LORD my God, you have made your servant king in my father David's stead: As for me, I am but a small young man, knowing neither my outgoing nor ingoing. And your servant is among the people whom you have chosen, which is so great, that no man can number them nor describe them for multitude. Give your servant therefore an obedient heart, that he may judge your people, and understand that what is good or bad: for who is able to judge this your mighty people?

This pleased the LORD well, that Solomon asked such a petition. And God said to Solomon: For so much as you ask this, and desire not long life, neither riches, neither the souls of your enemies, but understanding to hear judgment, behold therefore have I done according to your words. Behold I have given you a heart of wisdom and understanding, so that such one as you, has not been before you, neither shall rise up after you. Indeed and that you have not prayed for, have I given you also, namely: riches and honor, so that among the kings of your time there is not such one as you. And if you will walk in my ways, so that you keep my ordinances and laws, as David your father has walked, then will I give you a long life.

FINIS.