The Prayer of Jabez – Preaching on Prayer
Preaching on prayer in I Chronicles 4:9-10 – And Jabez was more distinguished than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with pain.
For Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “If you will bless me exceedingly, and enlarge my borders, and your hand will be with me, and you will keep me from evil…” And God granted him what he had asked.
Introduction (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Today we’re going to talk about a prayer that can transform your life. This prayer is neither long nor complicated, but it has incredible power because it was prayed with faith and sincerity. I’m talking about the prayer of Jabez, a man whose story is recorded in just two verses in the Bible. It doesn’t seem like much, does it? But these two verses have a lot to teach us about how we can change our story through prayer.
Jabez was born under the stigma of pain and suffering, but he didn’t let this define his future. He decided to seek God and ask for His intervention in his life. And do you know what happened? God heard and answered! Jabez’s prayer is an invitation to all of us who want to see God acting powerfully in our lives.
The meaning of the name Jabez
Jabez’s name, in Hebrew, means “to afflict”, “to cause pain” or “with pain I gave birth”. His mother chose this name because she suffered so much in childbirth. Can you imagine bearing a name like that? From birth, Jabez already had an enormous weight on his shoulders. Being called “pain” or “suffering” must have been difficult.
But here’s the highlight of the story: despite everything, “Jabez was more illustrious than his brothers”. In other words, he overcame difficult circumstances and became someone remarkable. How did he achieve this? He sought God!
When you seek God, He can turn your pain into purpose, your struggle into victory and your story into a testimony.
Development
1. Jabez called on the God of Israel
To invoke means to call, to cry out, to shout. It means going to God with all the sincerity of your heart, without fear of being rejected. When man turns to God and calls on His name, extraordinary things begin to happen. Jabez knew this. He didn’t sit back and wait for God to solve his situation automatically. He took action: he prayed!
And the result? “God granted him what he had asked for.” It wasn’t luck or coincidence. It was God’s direct answer to Jabez’s sincere prayer.
2. Jabez’s four requests
Let’s analyze each of the requests that Jabez made to God. They are simple, but full of depth.
a) “I ask you to bless me greatly”
Jabez began by asking for blessings. He didn’t negotiate with God, he didn’t try to bargain, nor did he put any conditions. He simply said: “I want the Lord to bless me!”
God’s blessing is abundant and generous. It doesn’t depend on who we are, but on who he is. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has not changed, and His blessings are still available to those who believe.
If you want to be blessed, start by asking God directly. Don’t wait for your own merit; trust in the Lord’s goodness.
b) “May you enlarge my borders”
To enlarge one’s borders means to grow, to expand, to go beyond one’s limitations. Jabez was a man of vision. He wasn’t satisfied with being stuck in the same circumstances. He wanted to move forward!
Isaiah 54:2 says: “Enlarge the space of your tent; let the awning of your dwelling be stretched out, and do not hinder it; lengthen your cords and make your stakes firm.” Where can we extend our borders? In prayer, in the Word and in Jesus Christ, our solid foundation.
When you seek God, he opens doors that no one can close. He takes you to places you never imagined you’d reach.
c) “And may your hand be with me”
God’s hand is a symbol of protection, provision and power. Jabez knew that he needed God’s presence in his life. Without God, nothing makes sense.
Moses also understood this when he asked the Lord: “If your presence does not go with me, do not bring us up from this place” (Exodus 33:15). Today, the Holy Spirit is the real presence of God in our lives. Without Him, we can’t move forward.
When God’s hand is on you, you have the security, direction and grace to face any challenge.
d) “And preserve me from evil”
Finally, Jabez asked for protection from evil. He knew that while God was blessing him and expanding his borders, the enemy would try to get in the way. That’s why he cried out for deliverance.
Jesus also taught us to pray like this: “Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). We need to ask God to keep us from the traps of sin and the snares of the enemy.
Without sanctification and vigilance, we cannot enjoy God’s blessings. Prayer is the way to maintain our communion with Him and remain steadfast.
Conclusion (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Jabez’s prayer is a powerful reminder that God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek him from the heart. Jabez didn’t let the negative meaning of his name determine his destiny. He chose to cry out to the Lord, and God transformed his life completely.
We can do the same. No matter how difficult your current situation, God can change your story. He can take you from a place of pain and suffering to a place of joy and peace.
Do you want to win in life? Then pray! Pour out your heart to God. Ask for blessings, expand your boundaries, seek His presence and ask for protection from evil.
Remember: “In all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). He wants to make you more than a winner, just as he did with Jabez.
Preaching on prayer in I Chronicles 4:9-10 – And Jabez was more distinguished than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with pain.
For Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “If you will bless me exceedingly, and enlarge my borders, and your hand will be with me, and you will keep me from evil…” And God granted him what he had asked.
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