Jabez

One of my family’s prayers right now is the “Prayer of Jabez.” It’s a fairly simple prayer in the Old Testament prayed by a man that was considered a born loser. The name “Jabez” literally means “pain” which was a representation of his dysfunctional beginning. God on the other hand did not view him as so, of course this is a story of the under dog winning because that’s the business of God. He takes us “losers” and blesses us because of our relationship with him, not our status or title or works.

1 Chronicles 4:10
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.”

(THE BEST PART….)

“And God granted his request.”


I’m stoked at the simplicity of this mans cry!! He wanted the Lord’s blessing and for God to be with him to keep him from harm and pain. I feel like this prayer is so relevant to our world today---so much pain in every eye you see. If only we would ask God (because we have a relationship with him) to bless us. With the blessing comes more responsibility (territory).

I think the most challenging part of this 2 verse revolution….you must have the relationship to have the blessing!!!! Jabez was more honorable than his brothers ….we are honorable because of our walk with Christ.

I’m challenging myself to diligently pray this prayer twice a day---everyday---for 30 days. I need some huge blessings in life right now and it’s time I start asking God for them.

Faith with Expectancy----watch out----it’s about to get good!


P.S. I wrote this blog this morning...on my drive home today God gave me confirmation. It was SWEET! I felt an urge to put in my Old School Mercy Me CD, which has not had any love in months, and I heard this in the chorus:

"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"