The Prayer of Jabez – Bless Me and Expand My Territory

The Bible only mentions the prayer of Jabez once in one little paragraph, but we can learn so much from it.

The scriptures are:

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 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.

Jabez had a rough start being that he was named a name that meant pain. In those days, people were known for what their name was.

He was more honorable than his brothers maybe because this name put him in a humble place. Certainly, it didn’t make him feel prideful. How can you be proud when you have a name like that. People were probably putting him down for his name.

But God uses our hurts and humbleness for his glory. He wants us to be humble. That is when he can use us the best.

Jabez must have suffered a lot of pain because of this, so he cried out to God to bless him and enlarge (or expand) his territory. And to keep him from harm so he would be free from pain.

And God granted his request. The Bible doesn’t explain how he granted it, just that he did.

God understands our pain. And he wants to make us feel better and expand our territory. But we have to be honorable and humbly ask God to bless us this way. And then humbly follow Jesus and be obedient. Even if expanding our territory for reaching souls for God’s kingdom takes us out of our comfort zone.

There is a possibility if God did expand our territory for his kingdom, it could cause some unwanted hardships. But we must be willing to do anything for Jesus. And even though it may bring hardship, it will also bring a peace and joy that you may have never experienced before that is beyond all understanding. Expanding your territory for God’s Kingdom is the best thing you can do to receive peace and joy in your life.

So don’t be afraid to ask God to bless you and expand your territory.

PDF: The Prayer of Jabez – Bless Me and Expand My Territory

Worksheet: The Prayer of Jabez Bible Study Worksheet

See: Part 2 #12 What is Your Ministry?

See: Part 3 #7 A Prayer for Purpose

Also See: Free Bible Study Worksheets

Also See: Part 3 – List of Prayers

My Testimony