Preparation: A Study in 1 ChroniclesНамуна

What does it say?

Jabez was an honorable man of prayer. God’s blessing was his greatest desire.

What does it mean?

The historical genealogy from Adam through the sons of Jacob-Israel gives only bits of personal information until we come to the prayer of Jabez, who stood out as a respected man in his culture. He prayed to God expressing his greatest desire in life: God’s blessing and presence. Jabez wanted to be a man of God in order to have an expanded impact on people in his sphere of influence. He prayed for God’s protection from evil and the grief it brings. God gave to Jabez everything he asked.

How should I respond?

If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? Most of us could come up with a long list of things we want Him to do for us, as well as for our family and friends. An honest examination of our prayers might reveal self-promotion and personal agendas. Even prayers for God’s blessing and protection can be rooted in either selfish or pure motives. So what can we learn from the prayer of Jabez? Expressing a desire to live in God’s presence and influence the lives of others to know and love Him honors the Lord. When our requests line up with God’s purposes, He blesses and answers our prayer.