My mother prayed the "Prayer of Jabez" a couple years ago and the result for her was a three month Mission tour to Thailand.
wigginsmum said:
I personally wouldn't touch it with a bargepole - to reduce our relationahip with God to a list of 'wants' and a formulaic prayer - no thanks.
Jules
Jules, I don't understand why you would say this prayer reduces your relationship with God to a list of wants? This prayer was given to us by God and if you read it correctly, you're asking God to help you further His kingdom by expanding your territory and by keeping you safe while doing so.
"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." (1Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
The prayer isn't about asking for a new house or car or a million dollars, etc. It's asking God to help you further His kingdom - something that all Christians are commanded to do:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and taching them to obey everything I have commandd you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
Nicole, go for it. But when you pray this prayer be prepared for anything. God will use you if you want to be used (and we don't really have the luxury of saying - "well I think I will do this but I don't want to do that". If God wants you to do something, He will protect you and He will provide all that is needed.
Because of the Cross,
Brenda