Go! And Pray With Boldness: The Prayer Of Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10 Series

Go! And Pray with Boldness: The Prayer of Jabez - Chronicles 4:10

Introduction:

Today we turn to a short but powerful prayer found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NLT):

"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."

The prayer of Jabez is a cry for divine intervention, a prayer of bold faith, trust, and surrender to God’s will. Today, we will explore four key aspects of this prayer:

Go! And Seek God’s Blessing

Go! And Believe in God’s Expansion

Go! And Trust in God’s Presence

Go! And Rely on God’s Protection

May the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts as we seek to apply this prayer to our lives.

1. Go! And Seek God’s Blessing

Jabez begins his prayer by asking, “Oh, that you would bless me!”

The Hebrew word for bless is barak (???????), which means to bestow divine favour, to empower, or to fill with benefits. Jabez wasn’t asking for material wealth alone—he was asking for God’s supernatural favour over his life.

James 1:17 (NLT) – “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

True blessing comes from God alone, and He gives generously to His children. When we seek His blessing, we align ourselves with His perfect will.

Matthew 7:7 (NLT) – “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

Jesus teaches that persistent prayer brings about divine response. Jabez was bold in his request, and so should we be in our prayers!

Imagine a child asking their father for help—not timidly, but with trust and confidence. In the same way, we can come boldly before our Heavenly Father, knowing that He delights in blessing His children.

Pastor John Piper once said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

True blessing is found in seeking God Himself, not just His gifts!

2. Go! And Believe in God’s Expansion

Jabez prays, “Expand my territory!”

The Hebrew word for territory is gebul (???????), which means border, boundary, or area of influence. Jabez wasn’t just asking for more land—he was asking for greater influence and opportunities to serve God.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

God’s power goes beyond our imagination. When we pray for expansion, we trust Him to increase our influence for His glory.

Isaiah 54:2-3 (NLT) – “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams.”

God calls us to expect growth and step into new opportunities. Whether in ministry, work, or family, we must be ready to embrace His expansion.

Think of a farmer planting seeds. He doesn’t just plant a few—he sows generously, expecting a bountiful harvest. God wants us to live with expectation of His expansion!

Rick Warren writes, “God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we only attempt things we can do on our own.” We must trust God for more!

3. Go! And Trust in God’s Presence

Jabez prays, “Please be with me in all that I do.”

The phrase “be with me” reflects a deep desire for God’s constant guidance and presence.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT) – “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God’s presence removes fear and gives us courage to walk in His will.

John 14:16-17 (NLT) – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”

Through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence dwells in us daily!

A child walking in the dark is at peace when holding their parent’s hand. When we trust in God’s presence, we find peace in every situation.

Charles Stanley said, “You always have God’s full attention. The real question is, does He have yours?” Do we acknowledge His presence daily?

4. Go! And Rely on God’s Protection

Jabez prays, “Keep me from all trouble and pain.”

The Hebrew word for trouble is ra'ah (?????), meaning evil, harm, or calamity. Jabez was trusting God for deliverance!

Psalm 91:10-11 (NLT) – “No evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.”