Praying Like Jabez: A Guide to Honorable Prayer

How to Pray Like Jabez: A Guide to Honorable Prayer

Have you ever wondered what it means to pray like Jabez? Jabez was a man of honor, and his prayer is recorded in the book of Chronicles. Although it is only two verses long, it communicates a powerful message. In this article, we will explore Jabez's prayer and learn how we can pray like him.

Who Was Jabez?

Jabez is mentioned in the book of Chronicles as being more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, which means "pain," because she bore him in pain. However, Jabez did not allow his name to define him. Instead, he turned to God in prayer and asked for his blessing.

Jabez's prayer is recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10:

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

Jabez's prayer is a model of how we can approach God in prayer. He recognized his need for God's blessing and protection, and he asked for it with boldness and faith.

Praying for Blessing

Jabez's first request was for God's blessing. He asked God to bless him and enlarge his border. In biblical times, land was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Jabez was asking God to increase his prosperity and provide for him.

When we pray for God's blessing, we are asking him to provide for us and meet our needs. This includes our physical needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as our emotional and spiritual needs. We can also pray for God's blessing on our work and relationships.

However, it's important to remember that God's blessing is not guaranteed. We cannot manipulate God into giving us what we want by praying a certain way or saying certain words. God's blessing is a gift that he gives freely to those who seek him with a humble and contrite heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:45, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." God's blessings are not a reward for good behavior or a sign of our worthiness. They are a reflection of his grace and mercy.

When we pray for God's blessing, we should do so with humility and gratitude. We should acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that we are unworthy of his blessings. We should also be willing to use our blessings to bless others and further God's kingdom.

Praying for God's Presence

Jabez's second request was for God's hand to be with him. This is a request for God's presence and guidance in his life. Jabez recognized that he could not succeed on his own and needed God's help.

When we pray for God's presence, we are asking him to be with us and guide us in our decisions and actions. We are acknowledging our need for him and our dependence on him. We are also expressing our trust in his wisdom and sovereignty.

God's presence is not limited to a physical location or a certain time. He is always with us, and we can experience his presence through prayer, worship, and obedience. As Psalm 139:7-8 says, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

When we pray for God's presence, we should do so with faith and expectation. We should believe that he is with us and that he will guide us in the right direction. We should also be willing to follow his leading and obey his commands.

Praying for Protection

Jabez's third request was for God to keep him from harm so that it might not bring him pain. This is a request for God's protection and deliverance from evil. Jabez recognized that he was vulnerable to harm and needed God's help to overcome it.

When we pray for protection, we are asking God to keep us safe from harm and deliver us from evil. This includes physical harm, such as accidents and illness, as well as spiritual harm, such as temptation and sin. We can also pray for protection for our loved ones and for our communities.

However, it's important to remember that God's protection does not mean that we will never experience suffering or hardship. Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God's protection means that he will be with us in the midst of our suffering and will use it for our good and his glory.

When we pray for protection, we should do so with trust and confidence. We should believe that God is able to protect us and deliver us from harm. We should also be willing to submit to his will and trust that he knows what is best for us.

Conclusion

Jabez's prayer is a model of how we can approach God in prayer. He recognized his need for God's blessing and protection, and he asked for it with boldness and faith. When we pray like Jabez, we acknowledge that we are dependent on God for everything and that he is the source of all our blessings.

We can pray for God's blessing, asking him to provide for us and meet our needs. We can pray for God's presence, asking him to guide us and be with us in all we do. And we can pray for God's protection, asking him to keep us safe from harm and deliver us from evil.

As we pray like Jabez, we should do so with humility, faith, and gratitude. We should acknowledge our dependence on God and trust in his goodness and mercy. And we should be willing to use our blessings to bless others and further God's kingdom.

May we all learn to pray like Jabez and experience the blessings and protection of our loving Father.