1 Chronicles 4:9-11 was intended to be a template for a prayer, not a magic charm for success.
Dare 2 Share - "Little children, guard yourselves from idols" (I John 5:21)
As you obviously already know, Jabez is sweeping the nation. Now we have websites, neckties, theme songs, and (who knows?) maybe there will even be a home game version coming soon!
Yet I feel like any and all Jabez products should come with this warning label:
Warning: misinterpreting and or misusing this prayer may be hazardous to your theological perspective.
1 Chronicles 4:9-11 was intended to be a template for a prayer, not a magic charm for success. Jabez’s request was granted because he fully relied on God, not because he spoke the correct words.
It seems clear to me that God is in the business of blessing us, and He loves to hear us pray. So I suggest that you use the prayer of Jabez as a guide to pouring out your heart and confessing your complete reliance upon God.
What would that look like? Here’s an example:
Oh, that you would bless (your name)
-Bless me so that I can be a blessing to others and advance your Kingdom.
-Bless my witnessing efforts, that my friends will come to Christ.
and enlarge my territory!
-Enlarge my sphere of relationships and responsibility as I exemplify Jesus Christ.
-Enlarge my opportunities to share the gospel with those around me.
Let your hand be with me
-Father, may your forgiveness and grace overwhelm me.
-Jesus, may your presence guide me.
-Holy Spirit, may your power flow from me .
and keep me from evil so that I would be free from pain
-Protect me from the plans and schemes of Satan.
-Deliver me from the power of my sinful nature.
Remember, your place in life is not by accident. God greatly desires to use you in the greatest cause: advancing His kingdom.
Questions:
1) Do I believe in any ‘magical’ prayers that forces God to listen?
2) How can I pray more specifically over the next week?
3) Am I motivated to be blessed so that I can advance God’s kingdom, or my kingdom?
