Sermon Central
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Praying Big
Contributed by Carl Willis on Feb 7, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: We cannot fathom the complete nature of God. His works are indescribable...and yet we continue to pray with low expectations. When God becomes the centerpiece of our prayer life, our prayers will rise to a greater level.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.”
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 cause any pain.” And God granted his request.
Painful beginnings
• Jabez – from the Hebrew word “jazeb” meaning “he causes pain.”
o A name given during the pain of birth
o A reputation that never goes away
The source of life change
• Jabez prayed to the “God of Israel.”
o Only God has the power to transform a life
o By God’s power Jabez could be known for more than causing pain
• Jabez acknowledged God’s rightful place in his life
o At the center
o Lord over all
Praying big
• God’s blessings
o Acknowledge that God is the “source” of all blessing
James 1:17
James 1:17 (HCSB)
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.
o Ask God to bless every area of your life
• Enlarging of territory
o Acknowledges that God owns it all
Psalm 50:10-12
Psalm 50:10-12 (HCSB)
…for every animal of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is Mine.
• Ask God to enlarge your territory
o Influence in the lives of others
o Favor with those around you
- Continual presence of God
o Acknowledging God’s presence in everything that you do
Matthew 28:20b
Matthew 28:20b (HCSB)
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age
o Ask God to make you keenly aware of His presence in every situation
- Protection from evil and harm
o Acknowledging that the enemy is always looking for opportunities to bring strife and harm
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
- Ask God to shelter you from all attacks
- Ask God to thwart all that the enemy means for harm
A God sized response to God sized requests
- God granted Jabez his request
- We often miss out, because we are not praying under the leadership of the Holy Spirit
Are you praying big????
