Resource Detail

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request (NIV)

1. Who is Jabez, and how is he described compared to his brothers (v.9)? What is the meaning of his name, and why did his mother give it to him? How might Jabez’s name have shaped his identity or life circumstances?
2. What four specific requests does Jabez make in his prayer (v.10)? Why is it significant that Jabez directly cries out to the God of Israel?
3. What does it mean to ask God for Blessing? What is the difference between worldly success and God’s blessing? What kinds of blessings should Christians seek most?
4. What could “enlarge my territory” mean? What might “territory” mean in a Christian’s life today? Are there areas where you need God to “enlarge your territory”
5. What does God’s hand represent? What does “let Your hand be with me” reveal about dependence on God?
6. How should we understand “keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain”? What kinds of harm should Christians pray against? How do you usually pray about difficulties, do you avoid them, endure them, or bring them honestly to God like Jabez?
7. Why do you think God granted his request? What does this reveal about God’s character? Which part of Jabez’s prayer speaks to you most personally?