Ancient Prayer: Jabez

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!
And God granted what he asked.
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1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJ

Beforeword: Reflection

This prayer is just one verse tucked away in a long list of genealogies—you could easily miss it, but when you read it — it’s impossible to forget. Jabez, whose name means “because I bore Him in pain”, makes a bold, faith-filled request for MORE. He asked God for expansion beyond “things” to a greater sphere of influence; for God’s presence to guide and protect; and for deliverance to reverse the label placed on him so that he would not cause pain.

And perhaps the most compelling part? “And God granted his request.” A reminder that God listens, and He answers.

What makes this prayer powerful isn’t its length or eloquence—it’s the courage to ask God for more and for being gracious to others while living in the blessings.

It’s the kind of prayer that moves from the page into our own mouths.

Prayer For Today: More

Oh God, my Father—
Bless me…
Not in the small ways I can imagine,
but in the wild, immeasurable ways only You can design.

Stretch me beyond my borders.
Push back the walls of my comfort zone
until my life spills into territories
I never thought I could walk,
places my feet have never dared to tread.

Let Your hand be heavy on me—
guiding, covering, steadying my steps
when the ground feels like it’s breaking beneath me.

Keep me from harm, Lord.
Not just the harm I can see coming
but the hidden snares,
the silent traps,
the pain that would leave scars deeper than skin.

Let my story be a testimony of love,
not a tale of wounds I caused.

Oh God, my Father—
do this, and I will know
it wasn’t luck,
it wasn’t chance,
it was You.

And like You did before,
grant me my request.
Not because I am worthy,
but because You are faithful.

Oh God, my Father—

Bless me indeed.

Amen.

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In creative solidarity, Dee