One of the most effective and dynamic prayers in the Bible is found in the Old Testament in the Book of 1st Chronicles. The prayer appeared during the genealogy of the Tribe of Judah.
"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." 1 Chronicles 4:10.
This is one of the most difficult books to read in the Bible. It is essentially reading a genealogy of Judah.
For example, 1 Chronicles 4:1 "The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal." And so on...and on. That takes a lot fortitude and will power to read this genealogy!
But what was very significant, when it came time for Jabez to speak up, he spoke up with a very dynamic request of God. He cried out to the God of Israel with a sincere prayer.
Bruce Wilkerson, the author of the book on the Prayer of Jabez discovered this very important prayer in the Old Testament. Wilkerson says, "Jabez doesn't stand astride the Old Testament like a Moses or a David or light up the Book of Acts like those early Christians who turned the world upside down. But one thing is sure: The little difference in his life made all the difference. You could think of him as the Prodigy of the Genealogy, or maybe the Bible's Little Big Man. You'll find him hiding in the least read section of one of the least-read books of the Bible".
The Prayer of Jabez became one of the most popular books that gave four simple precepts on prayer. What is even more significant, the prayer itself is only one sentence long, and after Jabez spoke up or maybe we can say with complete confidence, "praying up" during the genealogy, we never hear of Jabez again in the Old Testament.
Jabez spoke of four very important life changing principles in this prayer.
#1 "Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
#2 and enlarge my territory,
#3 that Your hand would be with me,
#4 and that You would keep me from evil.
I remember when the Prayer of Jabez became a "prayer icon" in the Christian community back in the late 90's. I had a copy of the prayer framed and placed on the wall in my office right above my computer. Like Wilkerson, I too prayed this prayer during quiet moments during the day. It inspired me and lifted my soul, but more importantly it was a prayer directly to God asking that He would bless me, give me more responsibility to speak for Him, that His Hand would be with me, and that He would keep me from evil or from failing to serve Him throughout my day.
If you ever read 1st Chronicles, it is difficult to imagine finding 1st Chronicles 4: 8-9. I mean that by saying, it took a lot of concentration to find this one sentence prayer which can create dynamic and life changing impact on your life.
Even today, the Prayer of Jabez is on the wall in our living room, reminding me of my sincere desire like Jabez, to ask God to bless me, enlarge my territory or responsibility as a Christ like servant, give me confidence that Your Presence will be with me on a daily basis, and that He would protect me from the roaring liar who seeks to devour or destroy my testimony.
I challenge everyone who might read this short essay, to highlight this Bible verse (If you have not done so already), to remind you of the necessity of praying this prayer on a daily basis.
Granted, just as the danger existed back in the late 1990's, the prayer had the danger of become a fad or fashionable to pray in public to show others you were in the in "prayer in- crowd".
If there was ever a prayer for these fast and distracting days, this is the perfect prayer...a dynamic and powerful one sentence prayer for your quiet place or prayer closet, and which can dynamically change your life, praying the Prayer of Jabez.
As we join together at different times throughout the day, let this prayer be about our country, our concerns and anxieties, and not a selfish prayer for material blessings.
We need to join together and pray a prayer devoid of politics, anger, hate, and as a dividing point. This prayer will unite us, empower us, and strengthen us against the principalities and evil influence of the evil one that seeks to divide us and destroy our Republic.
There many people in our country in need of a helping hand. There are many individuals who need our prayers and intervention.
The vision statement of the Latino Faith Initiative is found in Proverbs 31:8, "Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute".
The powerful and dynamic Prayer of Jabez spoken with sincerity and faith from our hearts and spirit can touch the lives of those who need someone to pray for them as well!
LFI~Latino Faith Initiative
Rev Fidel "Butch" Montoya
Remember: GOD LISTENS
No comments:
Post a Comment