Prayer of Jabez [part 5]

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “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 what he requested.

     "Why does this prayer have such a positive effect on those who commit to sincerely pray it? Maybe it's because it leads us to discover what God has always known--we were made to live like this! What can possibly delight the heart of God more than to have His children ask for His blessing, seek to do more for Him, depend on His Spirit, and plead for His protection?
    "Parents love to see their children fulfilled and content. It grieves them when they do just the opposite of what they've told them and the consequences bring pain. Why would we think our heavenly Father is any different?"
    "Walking with God was meant to be the most exciting experience of life. And the prayer of Jabez takes us one step closer to turning what was meant to be into what is. So what could possibly hold you or anyone back from praying the Jabez prayer?"
[If this doesn't convince you, then I'm not sure that anything will . . .]


"Even though our Father already knows our heart, He wants us to go through the process of persistently asking Him for what we desire. He knows that as we do this, we become convinced that what we are asking for is what He wants to give us. When He eventually acts to grant our request, His delight is as great as ours."


"Life with God is an endlessly exciting adventure. And God doesn't want you to miss one moment of it. That's why He wants to hear your voice today, asking Him for His blessings and for a bigger view of all that's possible."


I realize anyone who reads these little excerpts didn't get the opportunity to read the entire book like I did, but I think these give a pretty good idea of how important it is to pray this Prayer of Jabez. If you're still not convinced, I want to challenge you to go out and get this book and read it for yourself. I am convinced that this prayer needs to be prayed by every child of God. Plain and simple. 


The author of the book challenged me to pray this prayer every day for 30 days and to keep track of when I first recognize God's answer. I want to challenge you all to do the same. If you sincerely pray this prayer every morning for 30 days. Great things will happen--I am absolutely convinced. If nothing happens for you, you may do or say to me anything you'd like, I guess. Just please, pray this prayer : )


And as I was praying this prayer just this morning, this song "popped into my head." (If that's what you want to call it . . .) Enjoy! : )


Bless Me Indeed (click the link)
by MercyMe

My Jesus, I need You now
May Your grace look my way
To hear You sing over me
Your desires and mine the same

Bless me indeed
Open wide my horizons to share Your name
Bless me indeed
Let Your hand keep me
from harm and pain
Bless me
Bless me

Lord, I cling to Your heart
Your love is what I need
All great things come from You
May Your greatness fall on me

The Lord bless and keep you
May His face shine upon you
And be gracious
And give you peace