Introduction. A few years a ago a book was publushed through Multonomah Press written by an author named Bruce Wilkinson entitled The Prayer of Jabez. In this book the author adresses the brief statements made in the Bible about Jabez. Wilkinson suggests that the words of this prayer that Jabez offers to the Lord (if utilized daily) can change a person’s life and become a key to a successful life. Now there are many books for all ages.
     While it is true that examples that we are given in scripture can help us to serve God better, it is a mistake for us to imagine that the words of Jabez, or David or even Jesus are some type of formulaic expressions that magically transform our lives physcially or spiritually.
     Tonight let’s look at what the Bible says about Jabez and see what we can learn from his life.

I. Life & Family.

1. Nothing is known. There are only three references to “Jabez” in Scripture. I Chronicles 2:55 - Place; II Chronicles 4:9,10 - Person. It comes in the midst of a geneaological list of the family of Judah so we assume he was Judahite, but we are not told who his brothers, father or mother was.
2. “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers” Heb. kabed means primarily “heavy.” It can have the sense of that which is literally heavy, that which is serious and noble - i.e. honorable. [cf. Lat. gravitas > Eng. grave = heavy, important, serious]. If it is to be understood literally it may refer to literally being a large, heavy child in the womb.
        LXX & Vul. take it in the sense of honor. This is probably why our English translations render it this way and this is perhaps the real sense.
3. Jabez means lit. “He will cause pain” His mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” This appears to be a bit of a play on words as it relates to the prayer that he will offer later.

II. The Prayer of Jabez.

1. “Oh, that You would bless me indeed...” Note: I find it particularly interesting that he asks a blessing “indeed” (we might say - “truly bless me”). What we might imagine is a blessing may not always be.
   1. Blessings in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3).
2. “...And enlarge my territory...” Footnote says, or “border.” Unclear in what sense he means it here.
   Physically -- perhaps (all of us have that concern from time to time - “Lord help me to get caught up, stay ahead, get out of debt, stay above water.”) With thankfulness and the proper attitude such is not improper.
   Spiritually? -- Help me grow stronger. Increase my influence on others. Help me raise godly children. These are the most important concerns.
   1. Abounding in our service to the Lord. (Colossians 2:6,7; I Corinthians 15:58).
3. “...That Your hand would be with me...” The largest physical territory in the world means nothing if God isnŐt with us!
   1. Christians know that God is always with us. (Matthew 28:19,20).
   2. Paul’s confidence in God’s hand. (II Timothy 4:16-18)
4. “...And that You would keep me from evil...” What a powerful request! One that all of us must pray and take into consideration in life.
   1. Jesus’ prayer. (Matthew 6:13).
   2. He keeps our feet from falling. (Psalm 56:13; 116:7-9).
   3. He will not allow us to be tempted above our ability. (I Corinthians 10:13).
5. “...That I may not cause pain!” Note: The fact that his name reflected pain -- the fact that at his birth he had caused pain -- didn’t have to mean that that was what he had to be and do!
   1. Love does no harm. (Romans 13:8-10).
   2. Weep with those who weep. (Rom. 12:15-18).