A Simple, Effective Prayer for Any Believer
If you are a new believer, or you just have a hard time knowing how to pray, use this simple prayer from Jabez as a guide.(I Chronicles 4:10) I think the reason God included this prayer in His Word right in the middle of the genealogies was to show us a gem of faith. Jabez was an honorable man who caught the ear of God with a humble prayer, which God answered. Any believer can do the same thing.
Notice that it is a simple prayer that is not selfish. Even though Jabez asks for God's blessing, he is not asking for specific things. He leaves it up to God's will. He knows he needs to grow and expand his territory or borders, because we all need to see progress in our lives. He knows it all needs to come from God's hand, because only He has the power to do these types of things. Finally, he rejects sin, and he acknowledges that sin causes pain. This shows a heart after God to do His will in deed and in truth. Can you see why God would answer such a prayer? Can you see how to use it as a guide? The words are not magic. It is the content. Make it personal. Then, gradually expand it, as you read God's Word. Look at other prayers in the Bible and add elements from those prayers. It is a great place to start off a prayer life that God will bless.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Chronicles 5-7.
Notice that it is a simple prayer that is not selfish. Even though Jabez asks for God's blessing, he is not asking for specific things. He leaves it up to God's will. He knows he needs to grow and expand his territory or borders, because we all need to see progress in our lives. He knows it all needs to come from God's hand, because only He has the power to do these types of things. Finally, he rejects sin, and he acknowledges that sin causes pain. This shows a heart after God to do His will in deed and in truth. Can you see why God would answer such a prayer? Can you see how to use it as a guide? The words are not magic. It is the content. Make it personal. Then, gradually expand it, as you read God's Word. Look at other prayers in the Bible and add elements from those prayers. It is a great place to start off a prayer life that God will bless.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Chronicles 5-7.