Have you tried the prayer of Jabez?

[Droobie]

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Have you prayed the prayer of Jabez? If so... how has it impacted your life?

[Nick_Loves_Abba]

I heard alot of hype abuot this book, havent gotten the chance to pick it up. I'll probably pick it up at SAMS Club for 1/2 the price at any sale store. Anyway,

What is the prayer of Jabez?

[bonkers]

Originally posted by Nick_Loves_Abba
What is the prayer of Jabez?
As Droobie said "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."

I have not prayed that prayer yet but i think i will sometime, i have read that book for teens and i think that it's cool how much you can learn from 2 or 3 sentences :)

[ANITA]

I HAVE READ THE ONE PLACE IN SCRIPTURE THAT REFERS TO THIS PRAYER. I DON'T SEE HOW ALL THE BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THIS ONE PRAYER, WHICH IS A PRAYER FOR PERSONAL INCREASE. SOMEHOW, WITH ALL THAT IS GOING ON IN THE WAR AGAINST SATAN, THIS WOULD SEEM IRRELEVANT IN THIS DAY AND AGE. THIS PRAYER HAS , IN MY OPINION, BEEN HIGHTENED BY THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT. GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS AND WILL PROVIDE. I GUESS IM TOO BUSY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH TO PUT MUCH RELEVENCE INTO THIS SUBJECT.

[TheBear]

Anita, is your caps-lock key stuck? :D

[Apologist]

Originally posted by Droobie
1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Have you prayed the prayer of Jabez? If so... how has it impacted your life?

I don't believe that praying a certain prayer like this does anything. There is no magic mantra in making a prayer that was recorded in scripture by a certain individual like Jabez. Better yet study the prayer of Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 and learn how to pray.

God Bless

[Hewitt]

I have read the Prayer of Jabez and I am amazed at how huge the impact on my life was. Please don't judge the book or verse without reading first. The book does a great job of expanding on the individual points and topics in the prayer and how we can use them in a modern context. I am not saying that this prayer is magic by any means, but if offers as a good daily reminder of how we should be living our lives for God.

[Godsgurl4ever2006]

I think that it God will bless us when we need to be blessed and when we deserve to be blessed we don't need to beg him every day to be blessed

[Hewitt]

Originally posted by Godsgurl4ever2006
I think that it God will bless us when we need to be blessed and when we deserve to be blessed we don't need to beg him every day to be blessed

I don't consider prayer a form of begging. The prayer of Jabez is a prayer, that's it. It is structured to cover many aspects of your life so you may not forget them yourselves. I have trouble believing that God would be dissapointed to see us using parts from his own word on a daily basis.

[Didaskomenos]

The Jewish people had heard of Jabez, since he was powerful and wealthy. The point of the story in the Bible was to show that God was the source of his prosperity. God is sovereign, and either he blesses you like he did Jabez, or he doesn't. No promise of special favor.

However, I think people who think they have received special answers to their Jabez prayers have this right: expect that God is the giver of blessings for his purposes. The more you look for them, the more you'll see them. We who walk around blindly don't "count our blessings," so even when we are blessed "indeed," we don't give God the glory for it. As Benjamin Franklin observed, "God governs in the affairs of men."

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

I'm going to be writing a book called A Guide to Effective Praying or maybe How To Pray Effectivly. A small part will talk about this prayer. I won't give away what my view on this prayer is and how people use it today but I will take opinions on what the best title of the 2 would be! ;)

[AngelAmidala]

I haven't prayed it myself...nor have I read any of the books out there based on it. I've heard a lot from both sides of the issue...it's a good thing and it's a bad thing. I guess I'm one of those undecided about the whole thing. :)

[lucypevensie]

I've read the book twice, and I have prayed the prayer, though not faithfully. I never got the impression from reading the book that the prayer is a health and wealth, name-it-and-claim-it, get rich magic mantra. Rather, I saw it as a way to pray to God so that He will bless you for HIS glory--to increase the Kingdom of God.

[Hewitt]

I can understand people not wanting to read the book but I am confused on why they think it is bad :confused:

[AngelAmidala]

I think maybe because they feel it's way too commercialized. It's a small selection of verses, yet it's got more marketing then the Bible itself.

At least that's what people have said to me. :)

[jon1101]

I don't know that I find it to be bad. Perhaps 'not as good as people make it out to be would be' a better description. I think it's a prayer that some guy named Jabez prayed. I think Jabez was probably a pretty neat guy and he had a nice little prayer. I think that elevating that portion of scripture above the rest is baseless, but I guess it could be worth studying.

-jon

[altya]

A special friend blessed me with this little book. I was overwhelmed when I receive a package, all the way from America to South Africa, with the prayer of Jabez, even my name with golden letters printed on this book. How blessed can a person be. This is one of my treasures in life

[Hewitt]

Originally posted by Cancer To Iniquity
I don't know that I find it to be bad. Perhaps 'not as good as people make it out to be would be' a better description. I think it's a prayer that some guy named Jabez prayed. I think Jabez was probably a pretty neat guy and he had a nice little prayer. I think that elevating that portion of scripture above the rest is baseless, but I guess it could be worth studying.

-jon

Elevating single portions of scripture is often done to learn about God. Many sermons are based around one small section of the bible in order to focus on what is says and how that applies to our lives. Trust me, it is worth studying :D

[FOMWatts<><]

I've read a lot of posts saying they do not believe saying one particualr prayer does anything. Well I agree obnly to a certain extent. Christians today do not take use and advantage of the GIFT of prayer, which is communication with OUR Heavenly Father. Maybe not saying the exact words does anything, but a truly earnest and heartfelt prayer no matter how you say it or where you are, GOD answers prayers. This is the reason a book can be written on sucha small amount of scripture...IT IS POWERFUL. Jabez isn't mentioned again, but he is a guy that knows he is weak without God and wastes no time admotting it to God Himself through prayer. God hears His prayer because Jabez knows his weakness and wants God to bless Him to His fullest possibility. Christians need to realize that we still have a power called PRAYER and we need to put it to use to change this world we live in. Prayer is never uselsss if it true and earnest and from the heart. I love you guys and I am PRAYING for you!

FOMWatts<><

[FOMWatts<><]

Also, I woudl seriously recommend that books counterpart "Secrets of the Vine" also by Bruce Wilkinson. It is an in depth interpretation of John Chapter 15 and a walk through the Vineyard with the Vine Himself. This book helpes me see more than I thought I needed to of how much God loves me. Anywho, have a great day and God Bless!

FOMWatts<><

[BigJon]

while i havent read the book "Prayer of Jabez" i am certainly not immuned to the hype this book has been given. a few notes:
#1 Christians shouldnt put stock into praying for personal increase, which i have to say based on reviews and such thats what this book promotes.
#2 I think that prayer should be used to thank God and ask for strength and wisdom to accomplish His commission (Go into all the world and teach the gospel)
#3 I do think this book promotes a type of God bless me first attitude, which is wrong.

I dont think its wrong to pray for personal gain, but it should be last on your list, always remember to pray for God's will then the health and wealth for others and put your spirtual needs all way above your personal gain.

[Hewitt]

I would agree with not praying for personal gain until I read this book. It convinced me that I should pray that God blesses me that I may reflect it to others. When they say personal increase, they don't mean material. The Prayer of Jabez encourages you to pray for a stronger and deaper personal relationship that you can use to win others to christ.

The book also points out the fact that praying for others while you are not right with God is not the most effective approach to evangalism. In order to effectively spread the word we must have a good personal committment and that is what is meant my personal increase.

It is a very good book and I suggest that you read it if you have not done so :D

[ccgr]

I still prefer the Lords Prayer

[SCJ]

I haven't tried the prayer exclusively or repeatedly as the author suggests, but I do plan too. I have gone through the video series with the author though and you are really missing the message of the book if you don't get the author's perspective.

[batteredsheep]

Hi,

I hesitate to jump into this fray, but in light of the book's immense influence, I feel constrained to offer a few remarks. At one point, I wanted to write a detailed review, but I didn't really want to spend the money on the book. :) Thankfully, others have written some good critiques.

Let me say that any book that encourages Christians to pray has at least that much to commend it. Though I'm turned off by the faddish following and the marketing of related paraphenelia (T-shirts, journals, etc.; see his self-serving web site at http://www.prayerofjabez.com/), my MAIN bone of contention with Wilkinson's book is a hermeneutical and theological one. (This is my main beef against Bill Gothard as well.)

In brief, Wilkinson seems to ignore the context of the passage: its occurrence in a genealogy (and the nature/purpose of biblical genealogies), the larger redemptive-historical purpose of 1 Chronicles, the nature of biblical historical narrative, etc.

Furthermore, to lift just one obscure passage out of Scripture to promote a particular teaching on prayer does NOT do justice to a biblical theology of prayer. The sad part is, Dr. Wilkinson should know better; after all, he's a graduate of a respected seminary.

I am curious if anyone knows where Wilkinson has responded in print to his critics. I mean, there ARE some serious weaknesses of his book, and it is incumbent upon Dr. Wilkinson to reply to these, since as a public teacher of God's Word, he needs to be held accountable.

I will refrain from a detailed exegesis of 1 Chron. 4:9,10. Instead, let me point the interested reader to a few good links below.

"How much of our praying is largely formulaic, liberally larded with cliches that remind us, uncomfortably, of the hypocrites that Jesus excoriated?" D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers (Baker Books, 1992), p. 17. [an excellent corrective to Wilkinson's book!]

Links to Critiques of The Prayer of Jabez

Disclaimer: I do not necessarily endorse everything contained in the links listed here. They are intended for your own research so that you can draw your own conclusions.

For a comprehensive list of other links, please see:

http://.gospelcom.net/apologeticsindex/p12.html

Douglas Jones has written a hilarious parody of the book called The Mantra of Jabez; you can read an excerpt at:

http://www.antithesis.com/features/mantra.html

Ron Gleason has written perhaps the most in-depth critique; read it at:

http://.christiancounterculture.com/cc_10629.html

OR

http://.rongleason.com/ethos/prayerofjabez/index.html

A good and concise review may be found here:

http://www.soundofgrace.com/v8/n1/jabez_rf.htm

A flurry of books has come up in the wake of the Jabez cult:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/014/38.20.html

Other reviews include:

http://www.antithesis.com/features/mantra.html
http://www.harpazo.net/Jabez.html
http://.alliancenet.org/month/0106wilkinsonJabez.html
http://.deceptioninthechurch.com/magicaljabez.html
http://.harpazo.net/Jabez.html
http://.intimateprayer.com/page1002.html
http://.sdoctrine.org/pages/main/jabez.htm
http://.geocities.com/jfanella1703/JabezArticle.html
http://.faithworks.com/archives/gospel_jabez.htm
http://.issuesetc.com/resource/archives/jabez.htm
http://.marshill.fm/content_2001_q2/kairos/media/book/prayer_of_jabez_view.htm
http://www.svchapel.org/jabez.html

There was some discussion on the Yahoo! btdisc (Biblical Theology Discussion) group: see messages 3055, 3053, 3051, 3049, 3048, 3044, and 2843:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/btdisc

And if you really have a lot of time on your hand, here are some more links:

http://.letusreason.org/BookR5.htm
http://.zyworld.com/AgeTwoAge/Jabez.htm
http://.spiritualdisciplines.org/jabez.html
http://.omahabiblechurch.org/jabez.html
http://.gospelcom.net/densem/dj/articles01/0100/0108.html
http://.banner.org.uk/apostasy/Jabez.htm
http:// ontruth.com/prayerofjabez.html
http://.execpc.com/~lutherm/prayerofjabez.html
http:// members.tripod.com/~Turbooster/jabez.htm
http://.perigee.net/~mcmullen/jabez.html
http://.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/008/45.97.html
http://.christianity.com/CC/article/0,,PTID23682|CHID125467|CIID398267,00.html
http://.unmerited.org/littlefoxes/01/05/24/0229226.shtml
http://.crossroad.to/articles2/Jabez.htm
http://.epinions.com/content_20365020804
http://.cuttingedge.org/news/n1512.cfm
http://.strakejesuit.org/fac/volding/prayer-of-jabez.htm
http://.tnr.com/061101/cottle061101.html
http://.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/BookReviews/jabez.htm
http://.behindthebadge.net/articles/a69.html
http:// jesusjournal.com/jj_culture/books/jabez.html
http://.seegod.org/prayer_of_jabez.htm
http://.baptiststandard.com/2001/5_21/pages/jabez.html

[Glenn316]

Our church encouraged us to try the prayer of Jabez for a month, and then we had a time of sharing at the end of the month. I was not particularly impressed with the results shared, although one member actually had his borders increased, he had some land given him.

[Susan]

I think the prayer of Jabez is very good for raising cash. . .for the book author and publisher. ~.^

And The Mantra Of Jabez, posted here http://www.antithesis.com/features/mantra.html . . .LOL!!!! That's sadly the truth.

[ppbenefield]

Prayer is based upon ones relationship with God, through Jesus Christ who has fulfilled all things.&nbsp; So the prayer of Jabez is already operating in the life of a believer through Jesus Christ.&nbsp; :clap:

[FaithtoFaith]

I've read the book and prayed the prayer. As a christian, if God increases you, it's you can give and bless others. He doesn't just bless you so you can hold on to it, He wants us to give, just as He has. Second, when I've prayed the prayer I pray that God would increase my spiritual territory. After specifically praying this prayer, God will place someone in my path to share Him with.

It's a prayer of faith, not power and money, but He does send that sometimes so you may Glorify God with the increase by sharing it with others. I don't like things that get to commercialized either, but I believe that is satan at work feeding the spirit of greed. I doubt the author was out to make a buck, he probably was sharing a "gold nugget" he found in the word so others could be blessed.

[Poiema]

I DON'T SEE HOW ALL THE BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THIS ONE PRAYER, WHICH IS A PRAYER FOR PERSONAL INCREASE.

Anita, I agree with your statement about the Charismatic hype surrounding this verse. Like you said (quoted above) it seems to be all about personal gain. The book was about gain, people discuss it on the basis of gain, etc. I would encourage you to read Charles Spurgeon's sermon/book called "The Prayer of Jabez." This was written in the late 1800's and Spurgeon has a MUCH more Biblical view of the verse. Instead of being a "gimmee, gimmee" book, he sees the main word being "THOU." In other words, Jabez could have gained all these things himself or with the help of this world and the people in it, but he doesn't want Anything this world has to offer ...Unless GOD would give it to him. The modern book says (in essence), "oh that thou wouldst BLESS ME" whereas Spurgeon's book says,"oh that THOU wouldst bless me."
I hope you can get your hands on a copy. You should be able to get one or order one from a Christian book store that carries other Spurgeon works.

[GlowingFirefly]

I have the book of it and I am currently reading The Prayer of Jabaz for Teens. It's so good. The prayer itself hasn't affected me latley, but I am going to start using it more. :)

[Konnie]

No, I have not.

[Snowy]

I have heard of it but I have never really tried it

[mesue]

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
1Chronicles 4:10

I don't think this was meant to be a "Name it and Claim it" prayer, but it certainly seems to have become one. I personally will not buy the book. It has become too commercialized for me. To the point that the very question of this poll speaks as if it were some prayer to a Genie-god or something. "Did you try it?" How do I try it? Rub my Bible and repeat the verse 10 times? Sorry if I sound cynical but the commercial aspect reminds me of Jesus in the market place where the merchants prey on the poor because they know it is their duty to serve God. I.E. selling the sacrificial animals at extorted prices and jacking up the exchange rate so high that they could not afford to pay their tithes. No wonder Jesus flipped tables and whipped them.

[Droobie]

Apart from the commercialism, what does 1Chronicles 4:10 say to you, an how can it apply to your life?

[Dad Ernie]

Yes, I have read a good portion of "The Prayer of Jabez". I had heard all the hype of this book and decided to see for myself what it was all about. There is a part of me (my flesh) that wants a "quick fix" for health, wealth and happiness, and so this sounded like just the ticket.

Well, as I read, I also prayed. I said: "God show me how to pray." As I proceeded, the Lord gave me this:

Luke 11:1-4 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

The Bible Answer Man, Hank Hannagraaf, has an excellent book on the REAL truth about praying.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[JC_FREAK]

Yea, it is really awesome and a very passionate prayer

[TheThinman]

The prayer is not bad. People's lust for material posessions are bad. I do not have a "poverty mentality", in fact I wish to be independantly wealthy. If God wanted me to be, I would. Therefore, I might be the kind of person that would be distracted by worldly wealth from my relationship to him. I know God prospers us, but in ways preportionate to our charachters. If we are truly good stewards with our money, since that is the general topic, He gives it to us.
I am concerned that this book is meant to perpetuate the "prosperity" craze that is prominent in the sects that put greater importance on having a mansion and five cars, than having a relationship with Jesus.
If I gave this book to one of the many dirt poor Asians, who live in dirt poor Countries, who have to worry about being put to death for their faith in Christ, would their "borders" increase?
I have not read the book, and I am not sure what the author is trying to accomplish. I do know that many people are reading it in hopes of hitting the lottery, so to speak. This is not an accusation of anyone on this board, because I do not know your heart, I only speak out of experience with people in my own life. Peace and love in Christ

[moeowo]

I have the "Mantra of Jabez" it's sooooo funny ^_^ !!!!!!!

Another Book I must recommend (it's a parody too) is "Right Behind" by Nathan Wilson and Mr. Sock. It' a parody of the Left Behind Series.





I think the prayer of Jabez is very good for raising cash. . .for the book author and publisher. ~.^

And The Mantra Of Jabez, posted here http://www.antithesis.com/features/mantra.html . . .LOL!!!! That's sadly the truth.

[Eternal_Spirit]

I am reading this small book now and should be finished today or tomorrow, it's a small book. :)

Anyway, the book explains why you should pray this prayer and why God blesses us the way He does. Why not ask for more from God? Keep in mind, God wants to bless us and I don't think it's being selfish to ask Him to do so. The book talks about this in detail by the way.

I am not ashamed to ask God to bless ME. After all, if I am greatly blessed then I can help others that much more! God knows your heart. If you are praying to God to win the lottery or something, that's different. But if you are sincerely praying to God to bless you and you leave it up to Him to decide what those blessing are, how can that be selfish?

I personally like the book so far and once I get through with it, I'm sure I'll use this prayer daily.

:clap:

[pmarquette]

Jabez's name meant " brought forth in pain / bringer of pain "
as Paul means small , Leon means lion , Market means market place
my name literally means: " small lion of the market place " .

Jabez did not what his name to be prophetic of his life , his future
so he asked God , that he not be a curse , and God heard and
answered him ( Psalm 118.5 KJV ; Ps 119.5 NAB ).

As name changes are significant ... abram to abraham , sari to sarah ,
Jacob to Israel ..... so too was Jabez's name ...

[jenptcfan]

I'm not a name it and claim it type, and I found the book to be helpful. The most important thing I gleaned from it was that God wants us to believe He can provide for us. That doesn't mean "Hey, God! How about getting me that diamond necklace I like so much." But sometimes we only come to God when we think we don't have anywhere else to turn, and he should be our first resort instead of our last.

:)

[Henaynei]

Haven't and won't - was Jabez's prayer and not intended as a formulaic mantra to petition G-d.

[kwimmer]

Alot of people did view this book as a prosperity gospel. And with the millions it sold, it's likely evidence that people do see it as that.

[mle]

I have trouble believing that God would be dissapointed to see us using parts from his own word on a daily basis.


AMEN

[kwimmer]

I have trouble believing that God would be dissapointed to see us using parts from his own word on a daily basis.

I don't have trouble with believing that. The Pharisees continure to do it.

[Kathy]

I myself never read the book,but my Daughter did when she was going through her Divorce a few yrs ago... said it was helpful to her....

[Angeldove97]

Yes, I have been able to read the book and I have prayer the prayer before. I also bought a bookmark with the prayer on it...I use it to mark where I'm reading in my Bible. If you ever get the chance to read the book, it's very inspiring. Although, of all prayers that are important and which we should base our prayers off of, is the Lord's prayer that Jesus said in the Gospels. If you read the prayer of Jabez, you might not understand why it is so powerful, but after reading the book, you'll realize why. God bless. Love, Tanya

[Hannah Sireci]

I don't believe that praying a certain prayer like this does anything. There is no magic mantra in making a prayer that was recorded in scripture by a certain individual like Jabez. Better yet study the prayer of Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 and learn how to pray.

God Bless

I totally agree. I think it is a little bit too much to "obsess" over one verse in the Bible when there are thousands more. Yes, the prayer of Jabez is a great prayer and guideline, but it doesn't mean that only by these words God will bless you.

Basically, we just need to make sure we are looking at the Bible as a whole, not picking out things to focus on and leaving out the rest. :rolleyes:

[BigToe2]

I think the book has some areas that are pretty unbiblical. I think praying to have a lot is pretty selfish at that. Why not pray that those who have absolutely nothing get a house in which to live? Or that those who don't know Christ might meet him?

[ShetlandRose]

Why would I want to pray Jabez's prayer? Isn't it another formula to attempt to manipulate out of God what we want right here right now? No, I want to pray from my heart my own words in the manner and direction of Jesus, presented throughout the Gospels and New Testament and ending with "God's will be done."

ShetlandRose :angel:

[GraceReborn]

I pray in my own words to my Father.

[HolySpiritWarrior]

I personally have the book "The Prayer of Jabez for Teens" and it really did make a diffrence in my life. I am not praying the prayer daily as of now but I intend on rereading the book and starting this prayer again. It really does make a diffrence in the way you live and think. I know I personally saw God moving in my life. Please don't judge this prayer before youve tried it. It really is life changing.
Love in Christ,
Erica

[Apologetic]

I am disappointed by Christians who believe that the prayer of Jabez, or any other person who's got their prayers answered, is some kind of magic formula to pray to God and then it will happen.

I'll tell you something: The greatest prayer of trust in the world, is that of praying God to let His will be done. And it is our trust He wants.

[J.A.I]

I haven't had a chance to read it, but I do own the book. Calling that verse a mantra is the same as calling the Lord Prayer a mantra. If God lays it on your heart to pray in this manner.. if you are led to do so, then go ahead. I pray the Psalms. After all, the Bible is God's Word. There are so many naysayers. How do you know that these people were not led to purchase the book so that God could speak to them through it ? Just because you don't like it, or because it's too 'commercialized' (What if the Bible became commercialized ? What if Jesus was commercialized ? Would you neglect them too ?), does not discount it as no good.

Whatever book, whatever preacher.. someone will always have a negative opinion, and it is mainly Christians.. more Christians tear each other down than the world, and that, right there, in ITSELF, is EXTREMELY sad.

Before you knock it, consider it. Do you know what God's doing ? No. None of us do. It is His Word and one way He speaks to us is through His Word, so don't discount God's Word and methods.

So again, to all of you people saying it is a mantra or a selfish prayer.. it asks God to bless them and to enlarge their territory so that they may be a blessing to OTHERS. Now how that is selfish, I have no clue. Because whenever God blesses us, it isn't just for us.. it's for others.. regardless of WHAT it is.

So before you are so quick to naysay, PRAY and SEEK GOD ON IT.

Jesus help.

[MYMOM]

Have you seen the verse of jabez? it's 1 verse long! he got an entire book and video series out of that? i'm impressed

[RVincent]

There are two things to consider here:

1. Why was Jabez's prayer answered?

2. What did he pray for?

1. (1 Chr 4:9) And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

Are you more honorable than your brethren? Jabez was a warrior. (Perhaps his going up with Caleb and Othniel against the Canaanites is referred to. See Judges 1:2, 4, 9-15. Josh. 15:13-19).

2. Jabez did not pray for anything that any other Christian would not pray for!

(1 Chr 4:10) And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast (border or boundary), and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" And God granted him that which he requested.

a. Don't you pray for God's blessings? How rare is that?

b. Let's update "enlarge my coast". Don't you thank God that you have a place to live?

c. "Keep me from evil". "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..." (Mat 6:13). "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:15)

I ask you, what...what...what is different about Jabez' prayer?

Some guy is making a lot of money selling books and...oh, nevermind

[LadyBird]

Yes. I did for a while...but then I just forgot it and haven't in a long time. It's a good prayer though. I have the book "The Prayer of Jabez." It's a good book, if you are serious about really integrating the prayer into your life, it's a good guide.

[Glorianna]

I've heard both bad and good things about it, so I haven't decided whether I should read the book or not.

[violetstar]

Yes, and it work! I just stop because it scared me. I guess I must already have first class faith for it to work.

[Pacigoth13]

my vote is decisively against the book... say... has anyone tried the Gospel of Thomas?

[violetstar]

Yes

[weezyjenn]

I believe in the Prayer of Jabez....I believe in the Power of Prayer!

[TheMainException]

I think the prayer of Jabez is a really cool prayer, but I've never tried it myself.

[PaladinGirl]

No, and I don't plan to either. I don't waste my money on religious fads.

[cat has felt the light!]

I hope to try it and might do soon, but I know there are books out there about it and would like to read them first!!
C@ xx

[DevoutHeiress]

No,I haven't yet. But I plan on it.:)

[Wolflily]

This is nothing more than a Christian version of superstition. God isn't a Heavenly Magician that's going to pull rabbits out of hats at our command. Give me a break.

[zoe_uu]

No

[faith by day]

It wa huh... except for the 'what did you call me part'

i dont know what that is... but it sounds like a cool word .... Jabez!!!!!

[growingupinhim]

actually I have this book..forgot excactly how I got it will read it..Though God gives and takes away...all of life is a blessing..be content!

[indeep]

I think that the obsession with this particular piece of the bible, and with all the hype/merchandise that has resulted has been a financial coup... for david wilkerson (or whatever his name is)

God is the source of the power to earn wealth.

I find it interesting that it gives no time frame on this at all. God's increasing his lands and his wealth may be a lifetime of achievement. Who knows.

[Niko]

never heard of it

[The "J"]

No.

[The "J"]

I would feel too materialistic.

[georgia123]

I have heard of this prayer but have no experience with it. I have not read any of the books about it. I don't believe that we need to pray any certain prayer to have God take care of our needs. I'm not sure that asking God for more than we need is right.

[Moros]

A good one to keep in mind.

[SumTinWong]

There is only one prayer guaranteed to get results rom God:

Thy will be done. Amen

[Bladecarver]

No. I've heard of it, but never quite understood. Thank you. :D

[findingneo]

I have never read it but at least understand what it is now. For myself I don't use scripture to pray but rely on the Father to help me to pray (which might at times include using the written Word). We have a living relationship with a living God who is able to guide us - listen to Him.

[christianfilmcrew]

lol I prayed it for like a week, and I couldn't keep up with everything that God poured out. I haven't been game to try praying it again because there's just too much blessing in it :P

I know that may sound funny, but there's only 24 hours in a day....

[zachflash]

I believe in praying from the heart, which is something I strive to do. I think repeating something over and over might become meaningless, just like it could with the Lord's prayer, but then again if you have a strong heart and have the strength to force those words into meaning . . . then I suppose it could happen. Overall, just pray with purpose, meaning, strength, and love.

[christianfilmcrew]

yeah pray in the Spirit and not in the flesh (i.e. in accordance with the HS's leading and not with our own thoughts)

[brinny]

I believe in praying from the heart, which is something I strive to do. I think repeating something over and over might become meaningless, just like it could with the Lord's prayer, but then again if you have a strong heart and have the strength to force those words into meaning . . . then I suppose it could happen. Overall, just pray with purpose, meaning, strength, and love.

:amen:

[okiemommy26]

no i havent

[zachflash]

I think the situation with the prayer of Jabez is similar to the Lord's prayer and others. Their nothing if you don't do something about them. Letting them work on their own and saying a few words is not going to get you anywhere. Otherwise, they are basically as demeaing as magical words. You've got to have some meaning behind it. The focus should not be on the power of your prayer, but on the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot let our focus deter from that and so we must realize the True Source of our bountifulness.

[brinny]

I think the situation with the prayer of Jabez is similar to the Lord's prayer and others. Their nothing if you don't do something about them. Letting them work on their own and saying a few words is not going to get you anywhere. Otherwise, they are basically as demeaing as magical words. You've got to have some meaning behind it. The focus should not be on the power of your prayer, but on the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot let our focus deter from that and so we must realize the True Source of our bountifulness.

:amen:

[Neal]

How is that prayer different than others that we pray? I ask for Him to be with me all the time and other stuff, too.

[brinny]

It's just an example of how specific we can be when praying. What I like about its example is how He prayed for more so that he can bless others more. I love that. For God wills that we bless others, and what a delightful way to bless and minister to others.....

for example, starting a fund to help the homeless learn job skills and then assist them in buying their first home...etc...

:clap:

[die2live]

I've tried, but I can't seem to do it consistently.

[babydust2004]

I read the book because my mother gave it to me for a present but I also was not that impressed and it did not seem to help in anyway

[bill16652]

it isnt whether we pray it or not, it is that it becomes our hearts desire and are sincere in all that we ask. god will then open doors to take you to aplace of fulfillment

[FoundInGrace]

haha was too scared to prayer that prayer in case God answered it ;)

[tweek821]

YES!!!

This book was AMAZING!

See, I'm definitly not one to believe in magic or something like that, so when I heard about how this has worked for other people, I was suspicious. But when I actually read it, the book talked about how just saying this prayer WILL NOT change your life. You have to understand what you're saying and believe in the power of God to change your life for anything to work.

Basically, the book walks you through a devotional that gets your heart set on allowing God to take over your life and open up doors in the direction of Heaven. You really don't have to say the Prayer of Jabez because it's really about what's in your heart when you talking to God during that prayer. God sees you asking for Him to come into your life, not the prayer you're saying.

The Prayer of Jabez is a model used to prove the authors point but at the same time, is so effectual in expressing what you need to say to turn your life over, it works just as well as anything. The life os Jabez reflects everything the book tries to express so this biblical person is perfect for the devotional.

I hope all of that made some sense. LOL.

[Beanface]

I read it, was really impressed, got a friend reading it who got 5 or 6 people doing it, and for them it was going good things - for me, not so much, and I slacked with it and stopped... am going to email that friend to get my book back for a read though :)

[E-beth]

I got the book and read about the prayer during a really bad time. I didn't even know how to pray for my life to improve...I didn't know where to start! The Jabez prayer helped me focus my prayers and helped me find teh words to say what I wanted to say.

It helped me to know that God WANTS to give us stuff and wants to bless us indeed. I took great comfort in that. I prayed teh part about bless me indeed, asking for God to pour out blessings on me in whatever way He saw fit. The "increase my territory" part was me asking for teh Lord to move us out of our cramped apartment with it's lovely view of teh freeway that was way beyond our means. The part about doing no harm was how I prayed for wisdom when I began moderating here at CF.

Anyway, after I began to pray and watch...things got worse! I was ready to chuck the book in the garbage and rail against God in my misery. I told God...you wanna bless me indeed...DO IT! Then I got sick. The worst flu ever. Ha ha.

Except...it wasn't the flu. I had been blessed INDEED. Blessed in a way I thought I never ever would be. I was pregnant! Then soon after I gave birth to my son (Matthew means "gift from God") we fell into a rental house on a farm, with 200+ acres of grass at a third of what we paid for the apartment.

So, yes, I prayed that prayer. It taught me alot about the nature of God. And He ROCKS!

[Raheelah]

no i have not prayed the prayer of Jabez :) ;) :D :cool: :P :wave: :thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :hug: :preach: :prayer: :groupray: :bow: :angel:

[Zoomer]

No, and I never will. I'd rather pray genuinely from my heart, and the Lord's prayer which is the structure for an ideal prayer.

[S682]

There are a lot of people, and Christians included, who are in a world of hurt because of lost jobs, and they are going bankrupt, losing houses, and going through terrible times. They should pray, and they should pray about how to get back on their feet. If God will help them, they will understand God is their provider, and he is the only one they look to. The naysayers here against this verse are binding God from helping people who should seek God's help in prayer. Miracles happen everyday. If they do not receive an answer to such a prayer, then it is not God's will for them. They need to understand that too. Fixating on God's word, and his promises is not a bad thing at all. Understanding what does not come by prayer is God's will then. That is important.

[myfriend]

I feel it's fine to ask for help, but not to focus on our material needs above our relationship with God.

[Waylon]

Yeah I remember that...it was kinda big at my church a couple years ago in our college group. Good times, good times!

[Fly04~J~]

Yes... I have prayed the prayer of jabez... and I prayed the prayer every morning... it help me a lot....

[plum]

No, because I don't think the prayer is used in a non-selfish way most of the time (I may be wrong). If it's a prayer for personal wealth... Why do you think it would be in the Bible? lots more to say, don't feel like sayin' it.

And since I'm vulnerable to being selfish, I might not pray this prayer of Jabez 'properly'

[psychoceramic]

No, because I don't think the prayer is used in a non-selfish way most of the time (I may be wrong). If it's a prayer for personal wealth... Why do you think it would be in the Bible? lots more to say, don't feel like sayin' it.

And since I'm vulnerable to being selfish, I might not pray this prayer of Jabez 'properly'

very smart since only you and God know your limitations and desires...... but it is not just a prayer for wealth, to me when i prayed it and still do once in a while... (for me it was becomeing like hail marys and other prayers where it became the focus not the God to whom i was praying.....) it is a prayer for protection of your family, to increase my borders.. meaning to me more christian friends and family yes it can be a call for wealth, but regardless of the prayer, God is the one who answers, regardless of our words.... if our heart is in the wrong when we pray.. then God knows.



in JESUS,
psycho

[texandawg1288]

very smart since only you and God know your limitations and desires...... but it is not just a prayer for wealth, to me when i prayed it and still do once in a while... (for me it was becomeing like hail marys and other prayers where it became the focus not the God to whom i was praying.....) it is a prayer for protection of your family, to increase my borders.. meaning to me more christian friends and family yes it can be a call for wealth, but regardless of the prayer, God is the one who answers, regardless of our words.... if our heart is in the wrong when we pray.. then God knows.



in JESUS,
psycho
I haven't tried it yet.

[GodFlute2]

No, I haven't, but I've thought about it.

[crusader4peace]

i guess no.

[firestar]

I have prayed it yes, but I think I prayed without proper understanding- as in looking for a magic bullet at that time in my life.

[Big Mouth Nana]

No, I would rather pray my own prayers.

[Godslilgurlalways]

haha was too scared to prayer that prayer in case God answered it ;)

:D Umm... I have said but not prayed it, but not the way it's written, but not prayed it, God please increase my terriorty and things like that. But I do ask when I ask for him to increase my terroty that it will be used for him and for his glory on for God's purpose:)and only to glorify him(A store that I go to has it posted and I read it but I haven't actually looked it up in the bible not even sure what book it's in (lol). I pray God will increase me in him with wisdom increase me with the fear of God, God Bless you indeed:)Also it's part of a song I have heard on the radio:)

[gal4God]

No I have not

[firestar]

yes I have

[newyorknewyork]

so thats the prayer? asking 4 God to increase stuff in yr life?

ive never prayed it, no. i didnt know wat it was

[meowmie]

No. Despite being a "Christian Book", it doesn't sound exactly Christian to me. I read a few pages and gave it up.

[Stan53]

I never heard of it till just now though I am sure I have read it.

[skittle_kat]

it seems like a lot of people here want to be blessed with materialistic thing. however jabez means pain and this was his cry of mercy to god asking to not let him be a pain to people around him. this is a prayer not that u be blessed with whatever u want but that u may be blessed in a way that glorifies god. and "expanding my territory" means expanding ur opportunites to bless other by witnessing to them.

[Babiie_deE]

YES.. nd it has worked 4 me :D

[handmaiden97]

I have prayed it, not a lot but on occasion and I did learn alot from the books about it.....I do think people took it a bit to far, in the sense of making The truth out of a truth. does that make sense

[day2day]

I have read it but did not know this. Thanks, I will read that book of the bible again.:)

[seamonster]

No...

[marshallII]

I recieved the prayer book yes,very special to me.

[godisgr8]

yes I have

[ChrisCountryGirl]

No, I have not

[On_Fire_4_God_Gurl]

No. My parents have.

[On_Fire_4_God_Gurl]

*ponders "I should read this"

[StrongxxInxxHim]

Right after I read it and began to pray the prayer awesome things began to happen. The most vivid memory I have of one is being trapped out of my house from the flood of 01 with a new born baby.

I had been away from the house all night at the airport with my SIL and BIL.... i spent all of my money at the airport... we were trapped there too from rain. they finally let us leave at daylight and i took them home and headed SLOWLY to my house......

So here I am flooded out of my home with my baby, im starving.... im exhausted... no more diapers..... and honestly no where to go... my husband was at AT at Ft. Hood, no one can get to me for the rain.. everyone was either flooed in or out of their houses.....and I start praying that prayer again.

And this guy walks up to me and says... God told me that I need to buy you something... and I was like DIAPERS!! and lunch. lol

so he took me and got diapers and food

he kept asking me if the baby needed food and im like...........uh no
(because i was breastfeeding but i didnt want to tell him that LOL)

come to find out hes an ex musician from an old 60s band that were like one hit wonders...... I think his name was Larry Lawson... but the kewlest part was HE WAS READING THE PRAYER OF JABEZ TOO!!

we talked and prayed together and i was like WOW..... THEN

I decided since i had some food (and he gave me some extra money) and diapers .... to go to the local shelter and just chill. I was sitting outside and this young boy was sitting next to me and he was on his cell and i heard him say he lived in my neighborhood and that he knows how to get in and out.

I was like..... hey you can get me into TL/TR? and he was like.... YEAH. so we got in my car and drove to this church at the edge of my Nhood and at the edge of the water and come to find out the back yard of the church connected to some high ground and some clear roads which ....if you went around back would take you to my house which was in the center of the Nhood on high ground.
TOTALLY NOT FLOODED!!

We had to call his friend to pick us up and the mud in the back yard of the church was up past my ankles but omgsh i was so happy to be home!!!

God is good!!!

[jsimms615]

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Have you prayed the prayer of Jabez? If so... how has it impacted your life?
I read this book when it first came out several years ago. I don't believe that this prayer should be used as a tool to try and get God to do what you want. The prayer that God answers and hears is the one that is prayed for His will to be done. We should give God the choice if he wants to bless, but I don't think we should tell him how to bless.

[krys4ever]

Yes I have

[eley]

i haven't.

[Followers4christ]

No I have not.I perfer the Lords Prayer:


" 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.Amen

[TurtleTamer]

I haven't, but i might. After all, who couldn't use their coast expanded?

[4EverBlessed]

Haven't read the book, but prayed the prayer when I got to this thread.;)

[Elisha1961]

I do pray certain portions of scripture . Mainly the one in Psalms prayed by David
"Search me, O God and know my heart I pray. Try me and know my thoughts....
Also is a song. Scripture is God's words to us, I can not believe He is offended by us praying back His words to us. God has promised us the desires of our heart. He is faithful to give us what we desire. He meets us where we are at. God is not in to name it and claim it.

I see in this prayer a plea to God to expand Jabar's relationship with God. Something God loves. IF God wills to bless me financially that is ok, but I am content where ever I am, because that is where God has me.

[humblet]

No, I haven't. I did listen to the book on tape a few years ago, and decided that it would be better for me to read scripture and pray my own prayers.

[Corri]

I just did now. :)

[ysl_75]

No didnt even heard of it..:scratch:

[silverdawn]

Yes. It's done some amazing things. :)

[PpsJennifer]

I have heard of it but never tried it.

[JPPT1974]

No I haven't but I heard that
It is awesome as my mom loves it.

[lyonguard]

I have not kept it up. It works just like other scriptures. Believe it and confess it with faith that God will keep His word.

[JPPT1974]

No but my mom has a book of the prayer of Jabez!

[GodsAmbassador2Nicolette]

Yes I have and I recommend the book to all Christians.

[Kirkhaven]

No, but I have the Lord's prayer.

[pumanator]

total fad...it's no longer the new hot thing