Tuesday, 14 August 2012
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Being Focused: The Prayer of Jabez
I'm on a trip out on the West Coast, visiting family I haven't seen in over a decade. I've also been visiting with my Dad.
Yesterday as I was wrapping up my day I received a text message: "Good Evening. Sorry I did not get to see u but my prayer for u is 1 Chronicles 4:10. All the Way."
Now, I'm not one to memorize scripture references, so I had to look up this scripture:
"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."
This text message came at a very timely fashion, as I had a busy day visiting with Family and at the same time my thoughts were on this conference coming up.Some people believe that prayer doesn't do anything. I disagree.
Some people think that life is a series of coincidences. I also disagree.
Prayer is a conversation with one's maker. It's the connection we have that goes beyond the physical embrace of another being. It is the intimate bond between the creator and the created.
I'm no expert, but what I do know as that I've seen prayer answered time and time again. Where my thoughts and that of others see no way, I've found time and again that the only answer in those circumstances that there is a way -- and that way is beyond my own thought process.
It's weird, I know, but prayer works.
So this prayer that Jabez wrote highlighted this fact: that God is the source of all things, and that Jabez wanted to responsible for more. Because Jabez had the right heart and attitude, God blessed him.
I just hope and pray that I have the right heart and attitude as well.
Have you ever heard of the prayer of Jabez? What does it mean to you? When have you experienced prayer working?
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Comments (11)
I personally prefer the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew:
9 “This, then, is how you should pray
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I am a fan of keeping scripture in context. This prayer was recorded in scripture, by a certain person, at a certain time. It was being touted as a sort of magic formula about 10 years ago...really what a shoddy thing to do to the Bible. Pray the Lord's prayer, like @Doubledb@xanga - said above me.
Amen! I've been amazed and grateful how God...and scripture can reveal our heart to ourselves! And that can be exactly what I need in a specific moment!
...and can even provide the grace we need when we're not seen (heard or understood) by others!
Luke 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. It kind of socks me right between the eyes, and drives home the second commandment as well. Kind of like the advise of keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer kind of thing. I used to carry grudges for years, and consequently, at the same time, would have a bleeding ulcer. It's really hard, and a miserable process, to let go and let God, but it really works. Along with medication. As to having a father who sends scripture advise, you are so fortunate. I get lectures from my dad as to all his reasons for seeing failure in my adult children, and it always includes telling me it's my fault. So pulling back and praying for him, and finding funny things to talk about, definitely helps me. He sure has a short memory about how he raised us. Reminded me yesterday I should thank my heavenly father ( mormon speak) for growing up so close to a grade school. I got off the phone and threw up. The house was 1.4 miles from Jr. Hi, and farther from hi school, but not far enough for bus service, and I had really serious health issues. No idea that decades later I'd be diagnosed with 3 autoimmune disorders, but at the time I'd beg my mother to pick me up. We weren't poor. And she'd refuse. Walked to school on some really sick days, when I knew the Principal would be calling her to come get me, but that mattered not. So prayer and forgiveness play a huge role in our functioning in life, and finding happiness on our own.
@NightCometh@xanga - I hope I didn't come across as using this prayer as a 'magical formula', as that was not my intent. I was just sharing how prayer works, especially with the right heart and attitude towards God. That's all. Thanks for your insight.
@Pollypinks@xanga - well said, and Blessings to you for enduring so much.
Prayer is such a great topic. It is a most mysterious, essential, every day activity of discipleship.
A-1 .. !!!
Yes - yes prayer is the key !!
Amen !
It's about as selfish a prayer as could be. No wonder it is popular in America.
Prayer isn't magical, it just brings personal relief. That is if we are believers. If we aren't, then I'd suggest something else to bring personal relief. I know I've said it a million times, but meditation is immensely helpful during both times of stress, and times of happiness. Used to have a hammock, at the top of a hill where we lived. Summertime would bring long baggy dresses, sans under garments. Went outside with my pillow and pile of books one day, sat on the thing, miscalculated something, and began swinging to and fro until I wound up on the ground, face up, dress up to my neck. My neighbor across the way gave me the thumbs up sign. My husband was ticked off for a week, at my lack of ladylikeness in apparel. Anyway, every time I drove past said neighbor, I'd get the thumbs up sign. I don't think God meant for me to put on a performance when I went out to use the hammock, and read a few scriptures.
Some have compared the Prayer of Jabez to the Lord's prayer. That the overall message is the same. I have studied the Jabez prayer and experienced a spiritual awakening doing so. For that it will always have a special place in my heart. The Lord's Prayer is more of a staple for me, I pray it all the time.
After fervent seeking and growth in Christ I am to ready to pray the Prayer of Jabez. I need for God to enlarge my territory. Right now, I am only reaching few people. I look forward to the days to come as I know God will answer my prayer.