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Thursday, May 1, 2008

The Prayer of Jabez

T h e P R A Y E R o f  J A B E Z

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested.

I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

The prayer is composed of four parts. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. Second, he asks God to enlarge his territory or increase his responsibility. Third, he prays that God will be with him and stay close. Lastly, Jabez asks that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain
Prayer of Jabez: Why is it important?
The Prayer of Jabez reveals that Jabez understands what many people do not -- there is only one God and He should be the center of our work God wants to bless every life. But, we must first make the choice to invite God into our life and ask for His blessings. Jabez wants to succeed and increase his sphere of influence for God. The specific sphere of influence is not important. What is important is that when we want to reach for goals and accomplishments that we have God on our side. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." It is critical to understand and practice this in a close relationship with God. Further, it is equally important to stay close to God and rely on His continued support and guidance throughout life. Jabez clearly knows and prays specifically to the One who can protect him from evil and pain -- God. At the end of the verse it is clear that God approved of this faithful prayer by granting it. It is also important to see that Jabez was passionate in his plea to God: "He cried out to the God of Israel." God wants to hear that we need Him through passionate prayer.
Prayer of Jabez: What does it mean to you?
The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that everybody struggles with choosing to rely on himself or God. Whether you are a focused Christian or just searching to find out more about God, life is a growing process. However, it is very clear in reviewing the Prayer of Jabez, as well as the rest of the Bible, that God is faithful in caring for those who seek Him. Jabez sets a great example of how God wants everyone to come to Him through constant and passionate prayer. If you are looking to start a relationship with God or improve your existing relationship with Him, start with prayer. God answers prayers when you trust Him (1 Chronicles 5:20). Prayers to God also please Him (Proverbs 15:8). We can all learn from Jabez and faithfully pray to God always in everything that we do.

Follow Me by Ira Stanphill

I traveled down a lonely road and no one seemed to care,
the burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me,
and then I heard Him say, so tenderly,
"My feet were also weary, upon the Calv’ry Road,
the cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load,
be fatithful weary pilgrim the morning I can see,
just lift your cross and follow close to me."

"I work so hard for Jesus" I often boast and say,
"I’ve sacrificied a lot of things to walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune; I’m worth a lot to Thee,"
and then I hear Him gently say to me,
"I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,
my hands nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,
but now we’ll make the journey with your hand safe in mine
so lift your cross and follow close to me."

Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day,
’T would be no more than love demands no less could I repay,
"No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,"
these are the words He gently spoke to me,
"If just a cup of water I place within your hand,
then just a cup of water is all that I demand,
but if by death to living they can thy glory see,"
I’ll take my cross and follow close to Thee."