What Is the Prayer of Jabez? Bible Meaning and Verses and how to pray Prayer of Jabez.
“Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked” 1 Chronicles 4:10
Who Was Jabez in the Bible?
Jabez is a very minor character in the Bible. He was only ever mentioned a few times, all in the book of 1 Chronicle.
In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, it is said that “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’” In Hebrew, the equivalent for Jabez means “he causes pain”. Also, in Jewish culture, it is common to give symbolic names for one’s children. So, for the reason that her mother took great pain in giving birth to her son – more pain than the usual childbirth – she named him Jabez.
Also, in ancient Jewish customs, the name of a person somehow foretells his future. By naming her son Jabez, the mother is probably giving a vision of what is yet to come for her son. She may have seen that her son would have a bleak future, with his life full of pains and sorrows.
What Is the Prayer of Jabez?
When searching for God’s direction, we can turn to the prayer of Jabez. In it, we find an example of faithful prayer in action.
The Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles is a genealogical record written by Ezra after the Babylonian exile of God’s people. Jabez, in a single phrase added to his lineage, demonstrated how to pray God’s will over our lives.
It “relates to the covenant promises to Israel that find their fulfillment in Christ.” For the rebellious tribe of Judah returning from exile, Jabez’s story was significant. “Despite his hard luck beginning, he was honored because of his relationship with God. This was a valuable lesson for a people struggling with their own identity.” (NIV)
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Psalm 145:18
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth”
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”
The Prayer of Jabez is a faithful submission to the firm establishment of God’s will in our lives. “The way to be truly great is to be truly good and to pray much.” When we seek Him with all of our hearts, we will find Him. He will faithfully guide us to and through His plan for our lives—the good and the suffering.
We are never alone, and that makes us blessed and prosperous. The mighty Sprit of God lives in us, in spite of us!