The Prayer of Jabez

“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.” I Chronicles 4:9-10

Not much is known about Jabez, but we do know that he was an honorable man, as well as a praying man. He prayed earnestly and boldly, as referenced by the above Scripture. He asked God to bless him; to enlarge his border, or “territory” as some Bible translations say; to keep His hand upon him; and to keep him from evil. That’s a bold prayer, folks!

It is clear that Jabez’s prayer was spoken by a man who was not asking for material blessings, but those of a spiritual nature. Jabez was a man who believed in his heart that God was the ultimate power source, and very capable of answering his prayer.

I wonder if today, we have the kind of faith Jabez had? The kind that asks without hesitation or doubt. Not prayers for material things, but that God would bless us with more opportunities to share what Jesus has done for us. And that our hearts would be kept pure and free of any wrong that the devil might throw our way.

I do know this, friends—God’s heart is touched when we come before His throne. Our only motive and desire should be to exhibit more of the character of Jesus and to walk accordingly. As we share our faith with others, we can pray for their positive response—one that will result in a heart committed to following Jesus. Perhaps we are just seed planters. The watering and harvesting of the seed we planted may belong to someone else. If that is the case, let us be satisfied to have been obedient in the role to which we were assigned. We can be confident in knowing what God begins, He completes.

The Prayer of Jabez teaches us that if we are humble and ask with the right motive, as Jabez did, God will allow us to be more productive as He carries out His plan and purpose for our lives. He will hear our prayers; His hand will guide us; He will bless us spiritually; and He will answer according to His will.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the prayer of Jabez. Thank You for giving us the example of a man who prayed boldly—for all the right reasons. Help us to have enough faith to trust in You, knowing that You will grant our request in Your timing and according to Your will. It is on You that we place every aspect of our lives. Fill our hearts with more love and compassion for a lost and dying world, so that within our own sphere of influence, we might make a difference for the sake of Your Kingdom. We love You and thank You for loving us first. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.