Read 1 Chronicles 3
Highlights:
Descendants of David, Solomon, Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested (1 Chr. 4:9-10).
We know very little about who this person, Jabez, is, we know very little about him. However, from what is said briefly in these verses, we learn a lot about his character. We also learn about his devotion to the Lord. About Jabez's character, we learn he had more honor than his brothers did. Regarding his relationship with God, it is learned that he desired to be close to God. He also wanted the help of the Lord to stand against the evils of the world.
There is much we can learn from this prayer to utilize in our own prayer lives. That does not mean to just repeat this prayer. The Word of God gives us many lessons on how to pray but never says to pray this prayer exactly as it is. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking (Matt. 6:7).
In this prayer, along with others in the Bible, we find there are key elements that our prayers should include. We should offer praise to God. We should ask forgiveness of our sins. We should pray for the well-being of others as well as ourselves.
Prayer is a very important part of our daily walk with God. Even though there are those things our prayers should include, prayer is not meant to be a complicated thing. It is meant to be a dialogue between us and God. Remember, a dialogue is a two-sided conversation. We need to listen for God to answer as we pray.
If you are nervous about praying "right", don't be. God desires to hear our problems. If you are looking for help with what things to say, Jesus gave us a model prayer.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matt. 6:9-13).
Thought for Today:
Have you ever asked God to make the latter years of your life more fruitful than the earlier years? Why not start a life of Divine purpose instead of selfish ambition?
Christ Portrayed:
Through the genealogy of David (1 Chr. 3:1-24). Christ the Son of God was also called the Son of David: The Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-38; Rom. 1:3).
Word Studies:
3:9 concubines, a woman legitimately married to a man but inferior to the regular wife and excluded with her children from the heritage (Gen. 25:6). Concubines could be taken from among Hebrews, slaves, or war captives; 4:10 coast, beachfront, border of territory, boundary; 4:40 fat, rich, good; 5:11 over against, across from.
Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His redeeming love (Rev. 5:9).
Optional Reading: Romans 15
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:29
