As Lent approaches, Fr. Paul invites us to stop dreading the fast and start desiring God Himself. Through Solomon’s offering and prayer in 1 Kings 3, we learn that devotion draws us into God’s presence, and that our requests reveal our true desires and life-purpose. Solomon does not ask for riches, long life, or revenge. He asks for an understanding (listening) heart to serve God’s people, and the Lord is pleased. This sermon calls us to guard the heart, uproot passions, pursue discernment, and enter Lent with a deeper hunger for God.