INTRO TO SECTIONS // THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

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. 1 CHRONICLES 4:10

The Prayer of Jabez is a helpful model of prayer we can pray every day.

Prayer:

“Lord God, as I prepare my heart to seek after you as Jabez did, let my thoughts be your thoughts. Let my will fall in line with Yours.”

DAY 8 | BLESSING 

Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing. We need more of God’s blessing to be equipped to make a difference for His Kingdom. We need more provision, more spiritual gifting, more wisdom, and greater understanding so that we can bless others with what God has given us. James 4:2-3 tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” God wants to bless us, but He is often waiting for us to ask with the right heart. We have a big God, and we can be bold in asking for His blessing. As James points out, God sees our heart, and we get His attention when we ask for blessing with the motivation to help others.

“Oh, that You would bless me…” 1 CHRONICLES 4:10

Ask God for His blessing. Recognize your need for His provision, and set your heart toward wanting more than you need so that you can be a blessing to others.

Prayer

“Father God, I pray that you would bless me with more than I need so that I can bless others. I pray for more provision, that you would equip me to give generously to others and meet their practical needs in your name. I ask you to give me greater spiritual gifting so that I can strengthen the Church and be more effective for the Kingdom of God. I pray for an abundance of wisdom and discernment so that I can point others to you and make decisions that honor you. I ask you to help me grow in understanding of your truth and your heart for people so I can do my part to bring your Kingdom to Earth. Help me keep your generous blessings in perspective so that I never become self-serving but stay focused on using what you’ve given me to serve other people.”

Prayer Focus 

Today pray for our Sanford location. Pray that God continues to provide provision and purpose for our church in Sanford. Pray that the Lord rises up and uses His people to minister to the city of Sanford.