Prayer of Jabez

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

One of my favourites from Dad’s book collection was ‘The Prayer of Jabez’ by Bruce Wilkinson. It was an easy-to-read book and easy to summarise for my parents to peruse. (Here is where I should insert the ‘smiley with the hand over face’ or perhaps ‘the one with the wink).

Anyway, I digress. One profound lesson from this book is about the power of faith and even a simple prayer. The essence of the story of Jabez. Despite the challenging circumstances of his birth and his name, which means “pain” or “sorrow,” Jabez didn’t let this define his future. Instead, he turned to the God of Israel with a simple yet heartfelt prayer; ‘’Oh, that thou wouldest bless me and enlarge my territory!’

Despite his difficult circumstances, Jabez turned to God in prayer and asked for His blessing, guidance, protection, and expansion of his territory, which led to a positive change and transformation in his life. He desired growth and expansion not out of greed but with the hope of making a greater impact. He also sought God’s presence, acknowledging that true success and fulfilment come from God’s guidance and companionship.

God’s response, granting Jabez’s request, reminds us that God listens to our sincere prayers, even those prayed with the mustard seed faith. Sometimes, your answer may not have come because God wants you to use this period to draw closer to Him through prayer and reading of the word or that it is not in line with His plan for you. But one thing that is certainly in God’s plan for you is for you to be blessed and enlarged in whatever territory He has placed you, so keep praying and seeking His divine wisdom and guidance and don’t stop until you receive His answers to your prayers and even then still keep praying and following whatever directions He gives you.

Reflection: Have faith and keep praying

Prayer: Dear Lord please guide us in your ways and will for our lives. Amen.