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Why The Prayer Of Jabez Is So Powerful

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Have you ever heard of the prayer of Jabez? It’s a short prayer found in the Bible in 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.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles is full of a list of descendants, and I’ve been guilty of glossing them over since they are names I never heard of before. The list seems to go on forever, so if you’re like me, you might have missed two little verses tucked inside chapter 4.

These verses are the only time a man named Jabez is mentioned. There isn’t much information about him, but we know that he was honorable and loved the Lord. In verse 9, it mentions that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez because she gave birth to him in pain. His name, “Jabez,” actually means pain or sorrow, so every time his name was spoken, he would have been reminded that he had been marked.

Even though his mother marked him as pain and sorrow, Jabez seemed to know that the Lord knew him differently. Jabez’s prayer consists of four elements. He asks that the Lord bless him, enlarge his territory, let the Lord’s hand be with him, and keep him from harm and free of pain.

This simple prayer encompasses so much and is a great model for all of us. When we pray for God’s blessings, we shouldn’t just ask for more stuff or better circumstances for ourselves. We should also ask that God use us as a blessing to bless others.

It would be speculation on my part, but I think Jabez is asking God to expand his influence and reach, to give him opportunities to serve others and share God’s love. Jabez’s territory might have been small, but by expanding it, he could impact more people.

Jabez also asks for God’s protection. He recognized there were dangers in this world and that he needed God’s help to stay safe. It’s important to remember that God is always with us and that we can trust Him to protect us, no matter what comes our way.

Psalm 20:4

4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Philippians 4:19

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

James 1:17

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Isaiah 58:11

11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

These verses, like the prayer of Jabez, remind us that God is a generous and loving God who desires to bless us and meet our needs.

Jabez is often held up as an example of a person who lived a life of faith and trust in God despite his challenges and difficulties. His prayer is a reminder that we can turn to God in prayer and ask for His blessings, protection, and guidance in our lives, no matter our circumstances.

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44 Comments

  3. Fascinating information!!! I have the prayer of Jabez up in my house. I think you should write a daily devotional book. Thank you for sharing and reminding us to ask God for his protection, blessings and guidance.

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  5. It’s been “a minute” since I thought about the prayer of Jabez. The reminder was great, and it made me think I’ll order the book about it for my daughter. She’s working on doing great things for God with her YouTube and TikTok platforms. She is on fire for God and would relate to your ‘expanding his influence’ comment. Thanks for your post!

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  6. Thank you so much for the blessings of Gods word and his promises to us! I love your blog and look forward to all you share with us especially the Bible verses. You are such an encourager! 💝

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  9. Jabez is a new name for me and his prayer too. Thank you.
    Have fun in Miami – how could you not with Jo Lynn and Jennifer there as well. I can’t wait to see your photo shoots.

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  10. I had a friend in my life for a short time that gave me a charm for my keychain with this prayer on it. I read it every time I grab my car keys.

    My friend and I no longer talk, I have come to accept that he was one of those people who came into my life for short time and a reason. I do not know the specific reason for him entering in my life at that time but during those few short years I opened my heart and mind back up and God is included once again.

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  11. Tania, thank you so much for all you do through your blog. I only recently found it and was encouraged by your sense of style but mostly at your faithfulness to God’s word. I found the store, Cato, through your page and am so excited about it. I had never heard of it and after relocating recently was very pleased that there are TWO locations close to me. I’ve already shopped there having bought 3 new items. You have inspired me to take good account of my heart and wardrobe at the same time; SWEET!!!

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  21. Thank you for reminding us of Jabez’s prayer. I know I fall short every day, but so thankful God’s mercies are new every day!
    “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

    Safe travels and enjoy your trip!

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  22. AMEN!! Thank you for having the courage to continue posting these faith-filled posts. I know that it has cost you some followers and I pray that seeds were planted that will grow and they come back as our sisters in Christ. Have a blessed week!

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  29. I read the book “The Prayer of Jabez” and it was pivotal after my first husband died. I knelt beside my bed every morning praying this prayer asking for my 3 young sons to have an influence and enlarge their territory. That as a broken family we would be free from things that harm and could cause pain or hurt. It’s a powerful book explaining the components of this prayer.

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  30. Thank you for these scriptures, we all need to be reminded of Gods word. I love your Sunday posts as much as your fabulous other posts! You are a special, lovely, beautiful person, inside and out! Thank you Tania!

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  33. Tania, thank you for your encouraging words about Jabez. I remember that verse from awhile ago but so good to be reminded of it again and the blessings of God. Enjoy your trip!!

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  34. Dear Deanna
    I’ve lost both of my parents and while its really hard you will get through with the Lord. Psalms46:10 and Isaiah 41:10 were a life line for me as I knew God gave me those verses. As time goes on you’ll smile more as you think of them than cry.
    Have a blessed day
    Love in Him
    Linda

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  35. I look forward to your Sunday posts. Thank you for not being ashamed to share your faith. I will pray for your safety this week.

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  40. I lost my mother 3 days ago. I’ve been reading lots of scripture to help comfort me. Its important in this world that we are here to help othere and do good no matter what our circumstances are. 💛🙏💛

    Reply