Imagine that the only thing you were known for was a prayer you prayed. It would certainly help focus the content of that prayer. Would it be for something selfish, like wealth or fame? Would it be for a special need of an individual, or group of people? Would it be about missions and evangelism?
Consider this prayer of a man named Jabez, of which about the only thing we know about him is his prayer:
"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel,saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." (1 Chronicles 4:10)
In clear, concise words, Jabez requested three things: (1) an enlarged border; (2) God's presence; (3) freedom from harm. What's outstanding about his prayer is not what he asked, but the fact that God granted that which he requested. Somehow his requests found favor with his Father.
I'm a bit puzzled about Jabez's "enlarged border". I suspect it was more about noble things like godly influence and service than property fences, because James reminds us that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3) If Jabez simply wanted more land, his request would not have fit this important criteria.
Perhaps the thing that strikes me most about Jabez's prayer is that he received because he asked: "You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2) I'm wondering what good things have not been received simply because I have not sought from my Father?
To seek his Father's hand to be upon him seems to imply something about Jabez: that he had a true heart's desire to seek Him. God's abiding presence is not with those who half-heartedly seek Him, but with those whose hearts are fully set on Him. God's ear is inclined to those who diligently seek Him, as is His hand upon them.
If our territory is truly God's territory, then we ought to boldly ask God to "enlarge" the border of that territory. Why wouldn't God want to increase kingdom effectiveness? Why wouldn't He want to enlarge our service and ministry for Him? Why wouldn't He want others to find salvation through His Son? These are all things He is eager to do if we would be faithfully and humbly ask.
What would happen if the people of God collectively prayed Jabez' prayer as we met together for prayer? What might God impress upon us as we sought this request? The possibilities are greater and more exciting that we can imagine!
May the blessings, presence, and protection of God be yours in abundance, even as He enlarges your borders.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Consider this prayer of a man named Jabez, of which about the only thing we know about him is his prayer:
"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel,saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." (1 Chronicles 4:10)
In clear, concise words, Jabez requested three things: (1) an enlarged border; (2) God's presence; (3) freedom from harm. What's outstanding about his prayer is not what he asked, but the fact that God granted that which he requested. Somehow his requests found favor with his Father.
I'm a bit puzzled about Jabez's "enlarged border". I suspect it was more about noble things like godly influence and service than property fences, because James reminds us that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3) If Jabez simply wanted more land, his request would not have fit this important criteria.
Perhaps the thing that strikes me most about Jabez's prayer is that he received because he asked: "You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2) I'm wondering what good things have not been received simply because I have not sought from my Father?
To seek his Father's hand to be upon him seems to imply something about Jabez: that he had a true heart's desire to seek Him. God's abiding presence is not with those who half-heartedly seek Him, but with those whose hearts are fully set on Him. God's ear is inclined to those who diligently seek Him, as is His hand upon them.
If our territory is truly God's territory, then we ought to boldly ask God to "enlarge" the border of that territory. Why wouldn't God want to increase kingdom effectiveness? Why wouldn't He want to enlarge our service and ministry for Him? Why wouldn't He want others to find salvation through His Son? These are all things He is eager to do if we would be faithfully and humbly ask.
What would happen if the people of God collectively prayed Jabez' prayer as we met together for prayer? What might God impress upon us as we sought this request? The possibilities are greater and more exciting that we can imagine!
May the blessings, presence, and protection of God be yours in abundance, even as He enlarges your borders.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 7:17 AM
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