A Bold Prayer
Though an entire book was later written about his brief prayer, we know little about Jabez from Scripture. The Bible only mentions him in two obscure verses, buried in a lengthy genealogy.
We know his birth is difficult, and the name his mother gives him reflects the physical pain his arrival caused.
We also know that Jabez is an honorable man, more honorable than others. And he has a deep connection with God, for when he prays a bold prayer, God answers it.
What is his prayer? It has five components:
1. Bless me (so that I may be a blessing to others).
2. Enlarge my territory (which increases my influence).
3. May your hand guide me (for I’d be foolish to try anything on my own).
4. Keep me from harm (that is, keep me safe).
5. Spare me from pain (that is, save me from suffering).
After he makes his bold request, God says, “Yes!”
How well do we do at praying bold prayers?
What do we think about adapting Jabez’s prayer as our own?
[Read about Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9–10. Discover another answered prayer in Judges 16:28–30.]
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More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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