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The Prayer of Jabez:

The prayer of Jabez shows us a powerful way we can approach God with our requests. It is not a formulaic prayer to earn anything from God or to twist God’s hand, rather, Jabez’s prayer inspires and challenges us how to call upon God to help accomplish the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.

1 Chronicles 4:10

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”

MARCH: MULTIPLY MY TERRITORY

3.  At first glance you would think that Jabez is simply asking for an increase to physical land when praying to the Lord to enlarge his territory. However, when we look at the lineage and background of Jabez, we would see that this portion of the prayer refers to more than physical space, wealth and prosperity. He is also talking about increasing his impact in the kingdom of God. He wanted to enlarge his spiritual territory, to claim generations to come for the Lord. When you pray, ask God to multiply your territory and to do more through you!

As we look at this section of the prayer of Jabez, we can see that it is not meant to be selfish or prideful. This is meant to be call of faith for God to use him to do more, to make a bigger impact, to touch more lives. This prayer also causes faith to rise as we decide to step out of our comfort zone and ask for an increase in not only resource, but responsibility. For our day to day lives this may look like a sacrifice of time spent doing God’s work rather than building up our own kingdom or an increased commitment to disciple yourself or someone else.

In the Christian walk, we also know we are in a battle. There is an enemy who wishes to deter and distract you from the calling that God has placed upon your life. In war movies, we see that in the war of good and evil it is sometimes a fight for land, space or power. Similar to this, the enemy is at work to try to claim territories in the natural and spiritual. It would be foolish to think that he is not after your family, your workplace, your community. This part of Jabez’s prayer is powerful as it invites our powerful God to use you to take up space for His kingdom so that the enemy would not rule over those territories.

Are there areas in your life that you need to claim or reclaim from the enemy? Claim victory over those areas now and declare that God would you in ways that you might have never thought possible. Today, set your faith higher than what you can see and allow God to reveal His vision for your life.

As we pray, reflect on the ways that God may use you in your different spheres of influence. As He faithfully brings increase in your life, you never know what doors He may open or what opportunities He may entrust to you to expand His kingdom and glory here on earth.

Personal Prayer:

Enlarge My Territory

God, would you begin today enlarging my territory in all areas of life to claim it for Your glory? Expand my borders and use my life to bring you honour and fame. Enlarge my influence in my workplace, my community, and my home. May I bring you praise for all that you have done. Give me a deeper love for the lost and broken of this world and grant me access to be used mightily for Your work. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Additional readings:

John 14:12; Ephesians 3:17-19; Matthew 21:22

Song: Here I Am Send Me – Darlene Zschech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ELgpKldCgY