Do You Remember the Prayer of Jabez?

Years ago a book was written on the prayer of Jabez. It became a best seller. Some people misrepresented the book and made it magic. If I repeat the words, God is bound to do something.

That was not the case for me. I read the book at a low time in my life and the book sparked faith in me. I began praying it not believing God was obligated but I believed God would act.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 ESV
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”

This prayer makes four requests of God

• More blessing - I need the favor of God
• More responsibility - I desire to accomplish God’s will
• More power - I need God to empower me
• More purity - I need God to protect me from the evil one. It is similar to “lead me not into temptation.”

I have prayed this prayer consistently for over 20 years. I do not believe it is a silver bullet or obligates God. I do believe in praying scripture.

God says Jabez was more honorable because he prayed this prayer. He went from pain, the word Jabez means pain, to blessing.

I desire God’s blessing on my life, not because I want to prosper but because I want to be pleasing to Him.