A Pattern for Prayer (Part 3)

Read

Jabez was more honored than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only you would bless me, extend my border, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Reflect

On Sunday, Pastor Dallas shared 5 parts to Jabez’s pattern of prayer. Today, let’s look at part three:

3: INTENTIONAL

This is so subtle that a simple reading of this text may not make this point, but it is a critical part of a Biblical pattern of prayer.

Intentionality in the ask.

When Jabez prays bless me he’s not just asking God to give him more money (which is how we often think of blessing). The language here indicates that he’s asking God for the blessing that comes from the blessing. In other words, it would be like you or I praying in this way: Father, would you bless me this year so I can do more for your Kingdom? 

He’s not just praying extend my border; he’s asking God to expand his influence so that he can show others what it looks like to live in intimacy with God.

Jabez recognized that the true blessing wasn’t the blessing, it was what he could do with the blessing to bring God glory.

Every good and perfect gift, James 1:17 says, is from above, coming down from the Father. From the beginning, every good gift given has been about glorifying God and advancing His Kingdom. 

God told Abraham, in Genesis 12:2-3, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing…all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

It is never wrong to ask for what God has offered! You ought to ask for God’s blessing in your life, but you ought to do so with the sincere desire to use that blessing to broaden His Kingdom.  

Respond

With a sincere heart, ask God to pour out His blessings in your life so that you can do more to exalt His Name and advance His Kingdom.