Book Title: The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
Author: Bruce H. Wilkinson
ISBN: 978-1590524756
Genre: Christian, Self-help, Spirituality
Published Year: 2000
Introduction to The Prayer of Jabez
The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce H. Wilkinson is a widely celebrated Christian book that emphasizes the power of a seemingly obscure prayer found in the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 4:10. This prayer, said by Jabez, asks God for blessing, expansion of territory, divine guidance, and protection from harm. Through a thorough examination of this short biblical prayer, Wilkinson argues that those who pray it with faith can experience the same type of divine favor and blessings that Jabez did.
The book's central theme is that, through persistent and faithful prayer, Christians can ask God to bless them abundantly and to enlarge their influence and opportunities to do good. Wilkinson emphasizes the importance of believing in God's desire to bless His followers and encourages readers to adopt Jabez’s prayer as a daily part of their spiritual practice.
Breaking Down the Prayer of Jabez
The prayer itself is only one verse long but forms the foundation for the entire book. It reads:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.”
Wilkinson unpacks this prayer in four key requests that Jabez makes to God, which he believes every believer can incorporate into their lives to experience spiritual breakthrough.
1. "Oh, that You would bless me indeed" – Asking for God's Blessing
The first part of the prayer is a bold request for God's blessings. Wilkinson argues that this is not merely asking for material wealth, but for God's divine favor in all areas of life. He encourages readers to confidently and faithfully ask for God's blessings, emphasizing that God wants His children to thrive and prosper. Wilkinson explains that "blessing" encompasses spiritual, emotional, and even physical benefits, and encourages believers to not shy away from asking God for "more."
"To bless in the biblical sense means to ask for or to impart supernatural favor. When we ask for God's blessing, we're not asking for more of what we could get for ourselves."
This first request reflects a mindset of openness to receiving from God without limit. It challenges readers to stretch their faith, believing that God has abundant blessings in store if they only ask.
2. "Enlarge my territory" – Expanding Your Impact
The second request in Jabez’s prayer is for God to enlarge his territory. Wilkinson interprets this as a request for increased influence and opportunities to serve God and others. It is not merely about acquiring physical land but about increasing the scope of one’s responsibility, relationships, and reach for God's purposes.
"When you pray for God to enlarge your territory, you're asking Him to expand your opportunities and your impact in a way that leaves a permanent mark for Him."
Wilkinson encourages Christians to pray boldly for God to expand their opportunities to do good in the world. He argues that God is willing to entrust more responsibility to those who are faithful with what they have and are open to His leading. This request is about stepping out in faith, trusting that God will give you the capacity and resources to handle greater challenges.
3. "That Your hand would be with me" – Dependence on God's Power
The third part of the prayer is a request for God's presence and guidance. Jabez asks that God’s hand would be with him, indicating a desire for divine support in all his endeavors. Wilkinson explains that this part of the prayer reflects total dependence on God’s power, rather than relying on personal abilities or strength.
"What we desperately need is God's hand to be with us—His guidance, His strength, and His empowering presence."
Wilkinson emphasizes that seeking God's hand is crucial when asking for enlarged territory. Greater opportunities come with greater challenges, and the only way to succeed in these expanded responsibilities is through God's help and guidance. This part of the prayer reinforces humility and reliance on God’s strength rather than self-reliance.
4. "That You would keep me from evil" – Seeking Protection from Temptation
The final request in Jabez's prayer is for protection from evil and harm. Wilkinson interprets this as a plea for protection not just from physical danger, but from spiritual and moral temptations that could lead one away from God’s path.
"Jabez’s last request is to be kept from the kind of harm that brings pain—to himself or to others."
Wilkinson argues that this part of the prayer is about asking God to shield us from situations or influences that could lead to sin or failure. It also acknowledges that evil and temptation are real and constant threats in a believer’s life, and therefore we must seek God’s protection. This request underlines the importance of ongoing vigilance and prayerful dependence on God to remain in His will.
Themes in The Prayer of Jabez
1. Boldness in Prayer
One of the major themes of the book is the importance of boldness and confidence in prayer. Wilkinson urges readers to pray for blessings without fear or reservation, emphasizing that God is generous and willing to provide. The prayer of Jabez serves as an example of someone who asked big things of God and received them because he asked with bold faith.
2. God’s Willingness to Bless
A core message of the book is that God desires to bless His followers. Wilkinson challenges the idea that it is selfish or wrong to ask God for blessings, instead framing it as a natural part of the believer's relationship with God. According to Wilkinson, God delights in blessing those who seek His favor with humility and sincerity.
3. Expanding Influence for God’s Kingdom
The idea of having one’s territory enlarged is not just for personal gain but is focused on expanding one's influence for the sake of God's Kingdom. Wilkinson encourages readers to pray for increased opportunities to impact others for good, aligning personal growth with spiritual responsibility.
4. Divine Protection
The theme of seeking God's protection from evil and harm is central to the prayer’s closing request. Wilkinson emphasizes the spiritual dangers believers face and the need for God’s ongoing guidance and protection to live a life that is in line with His will.
Practical Application of Jabez’s Prayer
Throughout the book, Wilkinson encourages readers to apply Jabez’s prayer in their daily lives. He suggests that readers make it a habit to pray this prayer every day, with faith and expectancy that God will answer.
Daily Prayer: Wilkinson recommends using Jabez’s prayer as a template for daily conversations with God, focusing on asking for blessings, expanded influence, divine presence, and protection.
Act on Opportunities: After praying for enlarged territory, Wilkinson advises readers to be alert to the new opportunities God places in their paths. Whether through relationships, work, or ministry, the believer should be ready to act when God expands their influence.
Trust in God's Timing: Part of praying the prayer of Jabez is trusting that God will answer in His perfect timing, even if it doesn't happen immediately.
Criticism and Controversy
While the book has been embraced by many for its empowering message, it has also faced criticism, especially from those who feel it promotes a form of prosperity gospel—the idea that faith will always lead to material wealth and success. Critics argue that the book focuses too much on personal gain and not enough on the broader context of Christian service and sacrifice. Wilkinson, however, defends his interpretation by emphasizing that the prayer is about spiritual blessings and kingdom influence, rather than self-centered desires.
Conclusion
The Prayer of Jabez offers a simple yet profound spiritual tool for believers seeking to grow in their faith and experience greater blessings from God. By breaking down this short, powerful prayer, Wilkinson reveals how faith-filled prayers can lead to increased opportunities, protection, and favor from God. He encourages Christians to pray boldly, ask for blessings, and expect divine guidance and protection in their lives. The book serves as both a spiritual guide and a call to action, urging readers to trust God more fully and embrace the abundance He has in store for those who faithfully seek Him.
Final Thought: The Prayer of Jabez reminds readers that bold, persistent prayer has the power to change lives, expand influence, and lead to divine blessings, all through the grace and guidance of God.