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In 2000, Bruce Wilkenson wrote a book 93 pages long. In three years, it sold nine million copies and was on the New York Times Best Seller List for 94 weeks.
The book, simply entitled The Prayer of Jabez, has blessed the lives of millions.
Not only is it an odd book for a New York Times bestseller, but no other book of just 93 pages about one obscure prayer has ever been on the list. And the prayer itself is an afterthought in the Bible.
In 1 Chronicles 4, we find a long list of the descendants of Judah, and right in the middle of dozens of names, we find. . .
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested (vv. 9-10, NKJV).
Something about Jabez caused the author to pause the names and focus on Jabez and his prayer, but the list of names continues.
From this section of Scripture, Bruce Wilkenson formulated the Prayer of Jabez, which has four requests. . .
- You would bless me
- Enlarge my territory
- Your hand would be with me
- Keep me from evil
Wilkenson explains each request:
- You would bless me. . .
Is it possible that God wants you to be selfish in your prayers? To ask for more—and more again—from the Lord?
- Enlarge my territory. . .
He wanted more influence, more responsibility, and more opportunity to make a mark for the God of Israel.
- Your hand would be with me. . .
As God’s chosen, blessed sons and daughters, we are expected to attempt something large enough that failure is guaranteed unless God steps in.
- Keep me from evil. . .
The further along in a life of supernatural service you get, the more you’ll need the final plea of Jabez’s prayer. You are going to experience more attacks on you and your family.
The Prayer of Jabez has been controversial. It’s been called the prosperity gospel epitomized and even santa-fication of God.
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Wilkenson himself says. . .
I challenge you to make the Jabez Prayer for blessing part of the daily fabric of your life.
We can decide for ourselves about praying the Jabez Prayer regularly—whether truth or fanciful imaginations. I’ve prayed similarly for decades and believe true faith compels us to try – even if we fail, at prayers to enlarge our territory.
Whatever I pray, God is still bigger. I can never out-pray His willingness to bestow blessings.
I hope you pray the Jabez Prayer too!