My Prayer of Jabez

He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10

I remember when this passage first became popular. There was a book written about “The Prayer of Jabez.” I must have prayed those words 100 times over in the twenty plus years since the book came out.

I have to say that God has indeed blessed me in the past two decades. I lived in Missouri then and we rented our home. Since that time, we have bought three houses. God expanded my territory in the physical sense,, yes but He also increased it in other ways. I was part of an online email group and connected with a local body back then. He has expanded the territory of my spiritual influence too. I love the way He has allowed me to minister over the past 20 plus years and the lives that He has allowed me to watch transform.

I will also say God’s hand has been upon me. He has kept me safe in travels. He kept me from any major health issues and none that have touched my life, my children, spouse, or grandchildren. I praise God for that. He also covered my children in Grace because I was in my early 20s and had three children when that book came out that led me to pray those words.

And although I’ve put myself in some not great places over the years, he has kept me from evil. I continued to pray that he will help me to not cause pain to my family, friends, or clients.

I am not sure if I want God to expand my territory any more. I like where I am at and am content with what we have. What I do want is God’s will in my life. Whatever that may look like.

So tonight’s prayer of Jackie would be: Lord you’ve blessed me indeed and I am grateful for Your many blessings. Let me continue to appreciate Your blessings every day of my life. Lord give me only the territory that You have called me to reach, no more and no less. Lord continue to keep Your hand upon me and my family and friends. Keep me from all evil and keep me from doing harm to anyone. In Jesus name Amen.