Jabez’s prayer                                                                       March 7, 2010

“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!”.  1Chronicles 4:10

When you read about Jabez you learn of a man who prayed God would “expand his territory”.  There were 4 specific things Jabez asked of God: 1. That God would bless him,  2. That God would “enlarge his territory”,  3  That God would be with him, and 4. That He would keep him safe from all evil. 

I first read this passage a couple years ago and I proceeded to pray this prayer for many, many days.  I really felt it in my heart to “do more”.  Honestly I wasn’t prepared for what God had planned.  First he needed to do a lot of “cleaning” in my heart.  I found there were some things that really needed to go.  Some of it was like a weight had been lifted, but some really left me feeling empty.   I knew what He was doing was for a reason but I just wasn’t quite sure why, I just knew I needed to trust Him.  I just continued to pray and slowly He was just filling me with more peace and contentment than I could ever imagine and from there I have found myself doing things that 3 years ago I would have said “no way” because I would have been too fearful.  So God has so faithfully blessed me beyond belief, He has surely “expanded my territory.”  He was with me the whole time (and still is) and although it was a rough couple years he definitely kept me from evil just as he promised.  I know there is more out there God wants me to do, I can feel it in my heart, but until then I will continue to pray and wait patiently for God’s perfect timing.

In order for God to really “expand my territory” I needed to get right with Him first. When you put God first and make Him the center of your life that is when things start to happen.  I ask you, get right with God, pray the Prayer of Jabez and just wait and see what Your God has planned for you.  I guarantee whatever it is will be amazing! 

Remember Jabez is remembered for his prayer request, not a heroic act.  

Father God, I just thank You so much for placing me in such a loving community.  I thank You for each new day.  I pray God that You would just bless each and every one in our community, that You would give them a heart to want to “expand their territory”- whether it’s big or small.  I pray that You would just be real to each and every one and that You would keep them safe from all evil that is out there.  Father I pray that you would just give them each a sense of peace and contentment.   I thank You God for each and every person I come in contact with each day, what a blessing they are to me.   Please keep your loving presence in our community now and always.  I pray these things in The Precious and Holy name of Jesus Christ.   –Amen-

Denise Strege