Scripture:

2 Chronicles 7-12

7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” 11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.

I believe this portion answers that question. See, at the beginning of this chapter, we read that the Lord was with Solomon.  And if we understand anything from reading the Word of God, we see that the Lord is with those who wholeheartedly seek Him. Those who are near Him, and I don't just mean proximity, but have a heart after His, pursuing the heart and motive of God.   I believe that is what empowered Solomon's request, because it lacked selfish motives.    So to answer the questions this morning, "What draws the presence of God?" let's talk about it:

• Humility: Cultivating a posture that rejects pride and acknowledges total dependence on God.
• Prayer: Being in consistent communication with God, heartfelt and intercessory.
• Seeking His Face: Pursuing God rather than just seeking His hand for blessings or relief.

• Motive:  Having the right motives, a heart after the things of the Kingdom, rather than self-seeking.

God answers that because Solomon’s heart desired wisdom to serve others over personal gain.  This, I believe, is prayer that draws the power of God into our lives; when we align our hearts with His, this moves the power of God into our lives. 

Desire the things of God, HIs Kingdom, pursue Him with all your heart, align your motives with those of the Kingdom (fruit of the spirit), pray, be humble, seek wisdom, ask for understanding, pursue righteousness, always check you motives, this is our God shot today.

Father, know our hearts, check our motives, align them to your Kingdom, give us wisdom and understanding to do the things you have called us to, give us ability and talents to serve your Kingdom that would bring you glory and honor, align us with your purpose, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our heart be pleasing to you, enlarge us O' Lord that we may make your name great, in Jesus' name, Amen!