Prayer of Jabez // Prayer Will Change Your Life [Part 3 Of 5]

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ 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 4:9-10

THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE:

1. YOU NEED A GREAT AMBITION. 

Jabez: “…enlarge my territory!” 1 Chronicles 4:10

Paul: “But all the while my ambition has been to go still farther, preaching where the name of Christ has never yet been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.” Romans 15:20 (LB) 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers.” Ephesians 3:20 (LB) 

2. YOU NEED A GROWING FAITH.

• No mention that Jabez had any special ability
• Jabez had some kind of disability.

“All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

3. YOU NEED A GENUINE PRAYER LIFE.

“Jabez prayed…”  1 Chronicles 4:10

PRAYERS OF FAITH:

1. Pray for God’s power in your life.

“Bless me… enlarge my territory.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

“And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”  James 4:3 (New Living)

2. Pray for God’s presence in your life. 

“…Let Your hand be with me…” 1 Chronicles 4:10

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 

3. Pray for God’s protection over your life.

“…Lord let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so I will be free from pain.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 

THE MOST FULFILLING DREAM IS DOING GOD’S WILL!