The Prayer of Jabez
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I went to the “Friends of the Library” book sale. I found a small leather-bound book with the title “The Prayer of Jabez” written by a man named Bruce Wilkinson. Bruce is the founder of the “Walk Through the Bible” ministry. I had seen the book before and had read it when it first came out many years ago. Anyway, I bought it and have since read it, again.
His prayer is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. It appears in the middle of a long list of lineages. As we read through them, suddenly out of nowhere comes verse 9 and 10 about a man called Jabez. Verse 11 picks up with a continuation of the lineages, and we are not told anything more about him anywhere in scripture. However, if we stop and look at these two verses, we see that they provide profound insights into:
- personal faith,
- the nature of prayer, and
- the relationship between individuals and God.
9 Jabez was more honored than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.”
10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only you would bless me, extend my border, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.” And God granted his request.
His prayer is a personal petition to God. Jabez, who is described as "more honored than his brothers," approaches God with a plea for blessings. It underscores the importance of asking for God’s involvement in our spiritual journey. In a world filled with distractions and communal worship, his example encourages believers to seek God personally and earnestly. The verse reminds us that we can bring our desires, our concerns, and our hopes before God, because of the position we have through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The second part of the verse is the most striking, as it is a bold request for God to “extend his border”. The phrase is often interpreted as a desire for increased influence and responsibility, both personally and in the community. It reflects the principle found in Matthew 7:7, where Jesus encourages believers to ask, seek, and knock: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Jabez’s courage to make such a request shows a significant faith and his desire to seek growth, whether in his spiritual life, his career, or his relationships. His boldness should serve as a catalyst for us to seek a change, motivating us to aspire to greater heights and to seek God's guidance in achieving our goals.
Jabez’s request for God’s hand to be with him shows that he, indeed, had an awareness of the need for divine guidance and protection. For us, as well as Jabez, life’s journeys, challenges, and uncertainties are inevitable. By asking for God’s presence, Jabez acknowledged that human effort alone is insufficient. This part of his prayer echoes the sentiments found in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." It highlights the necessity of relying on God for wisdom and strength. We, as believers, can draw comfort from knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. We can seek God’s assistance and guidance, and that faith is a partnership with Him.
The impact of the “Prayer of Jabez,” extends beyond personal encouragement; and has inspired a broader movement among believers to pray boldly. In recent years, books and teachings centered around this prayer have motivated countless individuals to seek God earnestly and expectantly. In Jeremiah 33:3, God tells us to call to Him: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jabez’s story exemplifies the transformative power of prayer, showing us that our requests to Him can lead to significant change.
Jabez’s prayer reflects a desire for protection from evil: “and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.” His plea emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s help in avoiding temptation and harm or pain. In looking at the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13), pointing out that acknowledging our vulnerabilities and asking for God’s protection is essential in our walk of faith.
These two verses, stuck in middle of the long lines of lineages, are rich in significance. They emphasize the importance of:
- personal prayer,
- the courage to seek God’s blessings, and
- the need for divine guidance in life’s journey.
Jabez’s example encourages us as believers to rise above our circumstances and trust in God’s provision and protection. Ultimately, this brief yet powerful prayer serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact that sincere faith and bold requests can have in our relationship with God, inspiring us to live lives marked by faith, courage, and a deep reliance on God’s grace through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.
Ed Johanson