Sweeter Than Honey: The Prayer of Jabez

What if we spent a few quiet moments with God each morning? What if we were intentional about making time for it? What if we committed to doing that all year long and by the year’s end we found that we had read the entire Bible!?

How many times, on January 1, have you committed to reading the Bible from cover to cover in a year? I have made that commitment too many times to count, and I have failed too many times to admit.

​A few years ago though, I used a one-year, chronological order of book authorship, Bible Reading Itinerary.

Did you know that Genesis was not the first book of the Bible written? While plans like this vary somewhat, because it is simply impossible to put an exact date on some books of the Bible, the plan I used begins with the book of Job.

​Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey ​that leads the reader
​through God's Word ​in chronological order of book authorship.

Available at Amazon [Paperback | Kindle]

Let me introduce you to Sweeter Than Honey, friend. It is patterned after that Bible Reading Itinerary.

On Tuesdays, now through the end of the year, I would love it if you and I could take a trip through Sweeter Than Honey together! I'd also like to encourage you to Join us over at the private, Sweeter Than Honey Facebook group and share your thoughts. You'll find like-minded, Christian friends there. Let’s do this! Come join us as we move through the book and God's Word together.

We're waiting for you!

​1 Chronicles 4-6: The Prayer of Jabez

Today, we are reading through lists of genealogy and finding interesting tidbits of information about certain characters of that time. To me, the most interesting part of this passage is the part about Jabez. This is the only mention of Jabez in the Bible. I remember years ago reading a book called The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. That book, and Jabez’s prayer, made an impression on my life. I am glad to have the opportunity to look at his prayer with fresh eyes again today.

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ 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 4:9-10)

Let’s take a look at four different requests Jabez makes in his prayer, recorded in verse 10, and see how we can benefit from praying that same prayer today:

1. “that You would bless me”—Jabez knew that God is the source of all blessings, both physical and spiritual. So, he asked God to bless him. The blessing Jabez is asking for is not just material in nature; he is also seeking a spiritual blessing.
   
   
2. “and enlarge my border”—Jabez is not asking for more land; he’s asking to make an impact for God’s kingdom. When God adds to your border, it may be something you’ve never seen before or somewhere you’ve never been—somewhere outside your comfort zone. Be prepared for that when you pray this prayer!
   
   
3. “that Your hand might be with me”—Jabez realizes he cannot do this alone. He’s weak, like us. He knows he needs God’s help, just as we do. So, he asks for God’s hand of guidance to be with him and to guide him and hold fast to him throughout his life. We need this same thing too!
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4. “that You would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain”—In this last line of Jabez’s prayer, he references his own name—Jabez. The Hebrew word for Jabez is translated “pain.” He’s simply asking God to free him from harm so that pain might not be a part of his story. 

Today, let’s make the prayer of Jabez our prayer. Let’s weave it into the daily fabric of our lives. Record your personal prayer for spiritual blessing, enlarged borders, and God’s guidance and protection.

How does the prayer of Jabez affect the way you pray?

About Sweeter Than Honey

When I read God’s Word each morning, I find inspiration and insight that keeps my day on track. Join me on this journey. Let’s settle in with His Word—it’s His Love Letter to us. Did you know that? Let’s read it like a Love Letter, expecting to glean something for our walk with Him every day. Let’s look for peace in the chaos and strength for our weaknesses. Even on our busiest days we can carve out a few minutes to refocus on the important. Can’t we? We may have to get up a little earlier, when the house is still and quiet, or stay up a few minutes after the others are tucked in for the night, but we can do this! I know we can!

Let's be intentional about focusing on God’s Word and the truths found there. Let's let it inspire us to live out our faith each day in a way that causes those we come in contact with to want what we have found. God sees you. He knows you by name, He knows the number of hairs on your head, and He cares about every detail of your daily existence. He wrote you a Love Letter. Let’s dive in! ​

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