The prayer of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 in the Bible. It reads: “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 short prayer by a man named Jabez provides us with an example of crying out to God for blessing and divine favor. Jabez asks God for four things in his prayer:
- To bless him
- To enlarge his territory or increase his influence
- For God’s hand to be with him
- To keep him from harm or pain
Let’s explore each component of this prayer further:
1. “Oh that you would bless me”
Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing. To “bless” means to confer prosperity, protection, or favor. Jabez acknowledges that true blessing comes from God alone. There are various types of “blessing” mentioned in Scripture – material, spiritual, relational, etc. Jabez begins his prayer with a cry for God’s abundant, divine blessing over his life.
2. “Enlarge my border”
In addition to asking for blessing, Jabez asks for more influence and responsibility. In his day, “border” refers to land area and property. Jabez prays for more territory and greater impact for God’s glory. This shows that Jabez has ambition and zeal to see God’s kingdom expand through his life. Faith and godly ambition go hand in hand. Jabez desires to make an eternal difference for God’s glory.
3. “That your hand might be with me”
Next, Jabez asks that God’s hand would be with him. This is a request for God’s presence, power, and guidance to lead and empower him. Jabez knows that he needs the Lord’s hand to be upon Him if he is going to accomplish anything of value. It is a prayer that God would be present in every endeavor. The hand of God represents His mighty power and work in our lives.
4. “Keep me from harm”
Finally, Jabez asks the Lord to keep him from harm and pain. This demonstrates wisdom – we live in a fallen world and face various dangers and trials that can bring pain. Jabez asks for protection and deliverance from the snares that could hinder his walk with God. He realizes that God alone is his shield and protector from evil. This verse reminds us to pray for God’s hedge of protection.
The prayer starts with asking for blessing, and ends with asking for protection. Jabez understands that every good gift comes from God’s hand, and that only God can protect us from the dangers we face. It is a cry for help and dependency on the Lord.
Principles from the Prayer of Jabez
This short but powerful prayer in 1 Chronicles reveals key truths about prayer and our relationship with God. Here are some principles we can learn:
- Come before God humbly and reverently. Jabez “called upon the God of Israel” showing his respect for the Lord.
- Pray boldly and specifically. Jabez got very specific in his requests to God rather than vague generalities.
- Ask God to enlarge your influence for His glory, not your own.
- Pray for more of God’s presence and power in your life and efforts.
- Ask God to keep you from harm and protect you from evil.
- Trust that God answers prayer according to His perfect will.
God’s Response to Jabez
One key observation about this passage is how God responds to Jabez – “And God granted what he asked.” This shows us that 1) God hears our prayers, and 2) He is able to answer them according to His divine wisdom. Just because we ask for something specific in faith does not mean God will always grant the precise request. But as we pray earnestly, God does respond and work in our lives powerfully. He knows what is best for us eternally. But Jabez was bold and fervent in his prayer, and God graciously answered.
How to Apply the Prayer of Jabez
Throughout history, believers have applied the prayer of Jabez in various ways. Here are some tips for applying it to your own prayer life:
- Cultivate an intimate prayer life. Set aside undistracted time to call on God daily.
- Pray specifically. Ask God to enlarge your influence and use you for His glory.
- Depend on His power. Ask for God’s hand and wisdom to guide you.
- Plead for protection. Ask God to shield you from temptation and protect you from evil.
- Thank God for answering. Have faith that God will respond for your eternal good.
While we can learn from Jabez’s prayer, we should also pray according to God’s will as revealed in Scripture. Our motive should be God’s glory, not personal prosperity.
Is the Prayer of Jabez Biblical?
Some controversy surrounds the prayer of Jabez today. It gained popularity in evangelical circles after the 2001 book The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. This book highlights and encourages praying Jabez’s prayer regularly word for word. Some believers view the daily reciting of this prayer as unbiblical. There are a few reasons this prayer should be approached carefully:
- The Bible does not instruct believers to recite this prayer routinely as a “formula.”
- We should pray according to God’s will, not just for personal prosperity.
- God is more concerned with our heart and motives than the specific words.
- We have been given the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a model prayer.
With that said, there are good principles we can draw from Jabez’s sincere prayer to enlighten our own prayer lives. As we pray earnestly, God will shape our motives and requests. We too can boldly ask God to use us and protect us for His glory each day!
While debate continues over the exact application of this prayer, the overall themes are certainly biblical. Jabez’s prayer reveals a heart eager for God’s blessing, guidance, and protection so that he could bring honor to the Lord. As we pray with sincere motives for God’s glory, we can trust Him to answer according to His perfect will and empower us for greater Kingdom impact.
Bible Verses about Jabez
Here are some other key Bible verses related to the themes in Jabez’s prayer:
- “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
- “The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8)
These verses remind us of God’s abundant blessing, protection, and presence with those who walk in His ways. Our confidence can be in the Lord to strengthen, guide, and sustain us through every season of life when we seek Him earnestly.
More Examples of Bold Prayers in the Bible
While short, the prayer of Jabez stands out as a bold petition presented sincerely before God. Here are a few other bold prayers from biblical figures that inspire our faith:
- Moses: During a battle with Amalekites, Moses cries out to the Lord with his staff raised high. As long as his hands stayed up, Israel prevailed (Exodus 17:8-13).
- Hannah: She earnestly prays for a child, even promising to dedicate him to the Lord. God eventually answers her prayer and gives her a son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1).
- Asa: In battle against the vast army of the Ethiopians, Asa calls on the Lord for deliverance and victory. God routs the Ethiopians before Israel (2 Chronicles 14:9-15).
- Hezekiah: When Judah is threatened with attack, Hezekiah trusts in God and cries out in prayer. The angel of the Lord destroys the Assyrian army (2 Chronicles 32).
These prayers demonstrate the bold, trusting faith these biblical figures had in God to act miraculously on their behalf for His glory. They understood the power of sustained, believing prayer and intercession.
How Prayer Transforms Us
Beyond tangible “answers”, prayer also profoundly impacts the one praying. Sincere, intimate prayer:
- Draws us closer to God
- Increases our faith
- Aligns our will with God’s purposes
- Reminds us of our dependence on God
- Opens our eyes to see from God’s perspective
Prayer changes us from the inside out. Even if we do not receive the precise things we prayed for, prayer helps transform our hearts and minds to become more like Christ. Talking with God every day in real, humble ways, with open hands and surrendered hearts, is a key spiritual discipline for followers of Jesus. Prayer is meant to be a two-way conversation that fuels an intimate relationship with our Maker.
Overcoming Challenges to Prayer
Since prayer is such a vital spiritual discipline, Satan will try anything to hinder our prayer lives. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
- Distractions: Set aside undistracted time to pray. Put away devices, avoid interruptions.
- Wandering mind: Refocus your thoughts on Scripture passages, worship music, gratitude, and God’s presence.
- Doubt: Remember God’s past faithfulness. Trust His perfect timing and will.
- Fatigue: Try praying out loud while walking to revive your energy and focus.
- Legalism: Talk to God conversationally; avoid rigid formulas. Prayer is a relationship.
- Condemnation: There is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). God smiles as you sincerely seek Him in prayer.
Persevering in prayer demonstrates our dependency on God. He desires to transform our hearts the closer we draw to Him. Our job is simply to consistently “show up” and speak honestly with our Father each day.
Summary of Key Points
- The prayer of Jabez offers us an example of bold, specific prayer that sees God answer.
- Jabez prays for blessing, greater influence, God’s presence, and protection from evil.
- God graciously answers Jabez’s sincere prayer.
- We can apply key principles of Jabez’s prayer in our own prayer lives.
- Sincere, believing prayer releases God’s power and transforms us.
- When facing challenges in prayer, persevere by God’s grace.
May Jabez’s prayer inspire us to come boldly and humbly before God’s throne of grace each day, trusting in His goodness and mighty power to answer according to His perfect will and timing.