THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
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.
1 CHRONICLES 4:10
The Prayer of Jabez is a helpful model of a prayer we can pray every day.
1. BLESSING
Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing. We need more of God’s blessing to be better equipped to make a difference for His Kingdom. We need more provision, more spiritual gifting, more wisdom, and greater understanding so that we can bless others with what God has given us. James 4:2-3 tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” God wants to bless us, but He is often waiting for us to ask with the right heart. We have a big God, and we can be bold in asking for His blessing. As James points out, God sees our heart, and we get His attention when we ask for blessing with the motivation to help others.
“Oh, that You would bless me...”1 CHRONICLES 4:10
Ask God for His blessing. Recognize your need for His provision, and set your heart toward wanting more than you need so that you can be a blessing to others.
PRAYER:
“God, I pray that You would bless me with more than I need so that I can bless others. I pray for more provision, that You would equip me to give generously to others and meet their practical needs in Your Name. I ask You to give me greater spiritual gifting so that I can strengthen the Church and be more effective for the Kingdom of God. I pray for an abundance of wisdom and discernment so that I can point others to You and make decisions that honor You. I ask You to help me grow in understanding of Your truth and Your heart for people so I can do my part to bring Your Kingdom to earth. Help me keep Your generous blessings in perspective, so that I never become self-serving but stay focused on using what You’ve given me to serve other people.”
2. INFLUENCE
Next, Jabez asks for more influence. As God’s blessings increase in our lives, we ask for and experience greater opportunity to influence the world around us for Him. God has the power to bless us greatly, and He also has the power to open doors of opportunity for us to make a difference. We want to walk through doors that only He can open, and He responds when we specifically ask Him to give us more influence for His Name.
“Enlarge my territory...” 1 CHRONICLES 4:10
Pray for more influence. Knowing that God can make a way, trust in Him to open doors and lead you on the best path for your life and for His glory. Ask Him for boldness to take the steps He lays out for you.
PRAYER:
“God, make me effective in my sphere of influence, and open new doors for me to be able to impact and reach even more people for Your glory. Give me a heart to make a difference in the lives of people I have never reached out to before and boldness to walk in obedience to Your calling. Help me to be a good steward of the responsibility You’ve entrusted to me. I pray for greater territory to impact for Your glory.”
3. PRESENCE
In order to have lasting influence, we need God’s presence in our lives. Through His power at work within us, God can do more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). As we ask for blessing and influence, we also need to ask for His presence as Jabez did so that we are not operating out of our own strength but through the presence and the hand of our Almighty God.
“Let Your hand be with me...”1 CHRONICLES 4:10
In humility, acknowledge your need for God’s presence. Depend on Him and ask for more of Him in your life today.
PRAYER:
“Lord, I know that without You, I am nothing. I cannot do what You’ve called me to do on my own. I am desperate for Your presence in my life. I depend on You completely. I recognize that the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in me. Through the power of Your Spirit, I pray that You will help me succeed in the opportunities You’ve given me. Thank You for being with me. I would never want to face today without You.”
4. PROTECTION
Finally, Jabez asks the Lord to protect him. If we are influencing the world for Jesus, we must understand the enemy will try to stop us. This leads us to pray that God will not only help us if the enemy attacks, but that He will protect us from the enemy attacking us in the first place. Jesus has already won the victory, so we don’t need to fear destruction. God promises to be with us and protect us, and because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.
“Keep me from harm” 1 CHRONICLES 4:10
Trust God to protect you. Tell Him specific areas where you feel the need for His protection and ask Him to cover areas that you can’t yet see.
PRAYER:
“God, as I walk out the purpose You have for my life, I pray that You will stop any and every attack of the enemy against me. Please protect my body, my mind, and my emotions. Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in my life. I pray, too, that You will protect my family and community from harm. I know that the One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world, so I have nothing to fear. Thank You for watching over me. I love You and I trust You.”
Praying the Prayer of Jabez
August 13, 2021 • 1 Chronicles 4:10
Pray For Your Local Church
August 8, 2021 • John 1:12–13, Acts 2:42, James 5:16, Ephesians 3:15
How to Pray for Your Local Church The uplifting and refreshing presence of God is upon a church where God’s people have humbled themselves to pray! When we were born again, we were born into a family—our church family (Ephesians 3:15, John 1:12-13). God purposed this inter-relationship for our spiritual good. We need each other in united prayer and prayer warfare. (See Acts 2:42 and James 5:16 .) Every New Testament local church was exhorted to pray without ceasing. Prayer with fasting is practiced. Consider: The church at Ephesus was exhorted to pray always (Ephesians 6:18). The church at Thessalonica was told to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). The church at Rome was admonished to “be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). The church at Colosse was exhorted to “continue in prayer with thanksgiving steadfastly” (Colossians 4:2). The church at Philippi was encouraged to not worry about anything . . . but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made know to God (Philippians 4:6). The Hebrews were urged to “continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15). Around A.D. 400, Chrysotom wrote, “What we cannot obtain by solitary prayer . . . we may by cooperative prayer.” The uplifting and refreshing presence of God is upon a church where God’s people have humbled themselves to pray! By prayer we are talking about more than a few minutes here and there. We speak of focused prayer …groanings . . . cries from the heart . . . fasting . . . seeking God’s face (Romans 8:26). We are keenly aware of spiritual forces at work in the congregation and also outside the church. Preaching, teaching, lecturing, discipling—without prayer—have little impact against these powers (Zechariah 4:6). Every local church must be united in unceasing, intercessory, concentrated, prevailing prayer! There is unusual power in united prayer. Jesus said, “My house shall be called the house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). When you pray for your local church, pray for: 1. YOUR PASTOR AND HIS FAMILY Pray that God would anoint your pastor and his wife to be the godly leaders that the local church needs (I John 2:27). Pray that they would be strengthened physically and that their financial needs would be met (Phillippians 4:19). Pray that they would have wisdom in rearing their own children in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). 2. SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES Pray that God would anoint and inspire the teachers to reach and teach the children on their level. Pray that the children’s hearts would be tender to the Lord and that they would receive the Holy Ghost even in their classrooms (Acts 2:39). Pray that the children would lead their unchurched parents to know Christ. 3. HOME BIBLE STUDIES AND OUTREACH MINISTRIES Pray that teachers and workers would be sensitive to the needs of those they meet. Pray that the hearts of the contacts would be fertile soil for the Word of God to take root and grow. Pray that the entire church would feel the burden to reach their world with the love of Christ and His gospel. 4. YOUTH MINISTRIES Pray that the youth staff—the youth pastor, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and others—would havegenuine love and concern for the youth of the church and city and the wisdom to deal with the manifold problems that face today’s youth. Pray that parents and older saints would be examples of righteousness for the youth to follow. Pray that the youth would learn to put God first in their lives (Matthew 6:33). 5. MUSIC MINISTRIES Pray that those involved in the music ministry would be divinely anointed as they play and sing unto the Lord. Pray that they would be sensitive to the move of the Spirit and complement the ministry of the Word. Pray that they, as more public examples of the church, would walk circumspectly before the Lord (Ephesians 5:15). 6. SINGLE MINISTRIES AND SUPPORT GROUPS Pray that the singles would find the companionship and emotional support they need within the church body. Pray that the other support groups would be understanding and compassionate as they reach out to those in need. Pray that those in material need would be drawn closer to Christ because of their problems. 7. DAUGHTER CHURCHES Pray for the ministers of the daughter church to be anointed and strengthened both spiritually and physically (III John 2). Pray that those attending the daughter work would pick up the burden—both spiritually and financially. Pray that the community surrounding the new work would be receptive to the Word of God (II Thessalonians 3:1). 8. PRAYER MINISTRIES Pray for the leaders of the prayer ministry to be strengthened physically and spiritually—intercession is taxing both to the body and spirit. Pray that they would be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and to the needs of the church. Pray that others would have a burden to join the prayer ministry. 9. MEDIA MINISTRIES Pray that the media ministries of the church would be tools of evangelism and encouragement. Pray that God would anoint the hearts of those that hear the tapes and see the videos to be receptive to the Word of God. Pray that the church dramas and newsletters would make an eternal impact on lives. Praying for your local church is not only an obligation, it is a wonderful privilege. Heaven and hell respond to those who pray (II Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 16:18). Your prayers can bring revival, healing, reconciliation, and salvation. Please pray for your local church. Produced by World Network of Prayer, United Pentecostal Church International
Put On Your Spiritual Armor
August 9, 2021 • Ephesians 6:11–17
TAKE ON THE WHOLE ARMOR "Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God; that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " (Eph. 6:11-17) The Helmet of Salvation: "Lord, protect my mind. Keep my mind and eyes focused on you. Let me think right. Let me view things through your eyes. Let me not be conformed to this world's way of thinking. Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isa. 26:3) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5) The Breastplate of Righteousness: "Lord, keep my heart right. Filter everything that comes into or out of my heart through your righteousness. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake. (Ps.23:3) Come and rain your righteousness upon us." (Hos. 10:12) "Let me be easily impressed by your Spirit. Let me recognize the unction and guidance of your righteousness in my life. Let me be led by your Holy Spirit in all I say and do." Loins Girt about with Truth: "Lord, put a love of the truth in my heart. Gird me about with truth. Spirit of Truth, wrap yourself around me. Let truth keep me from all lies and all error and every false way. For your Word speaks of those who 'with all deceivableness of unrighteousness http://...perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved' (II Thess. 2:10). So let us love the truth, not just in word, but in deed." Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: "Lord, everywhere I go let me bring peace. Grant to me a willingness to be peaceful and to bring peace, a willingness to 'Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14). Let me be a peacemaker. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace…” (Isa. 52:7). Let me be a person who publishes and spreads your peace." "Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79). Set my feet in a large place safe from the pit. Send your angels to keep me from dashing my feet against a stone." (Ps. 91:12). The Shield of Faith: "Lord, quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. For you are the author and the finisher of my faith. Let me be able to truly say with Paul, 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God; who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20). "Your Word declares that, 'He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Ps. 91:4). Grant it, Lord! My prayer is that my 'faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (I Cor. 2:5). Protect us from the enemy's attacks, Lord! The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God: "I come on the offensive, with your Word as my weapon, against the gates of hell. Anoint your Word in my heart, mind, and mouth. Let your Word do a work in me and through me. Let me be a channel through which your living Word can flow powerfully and effectively." “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). "The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach.” (Rom 10:6-8).
Pray Through The Tabernacle Plan
August 10, 2021 • Exodus 25:1, Exodus 31:18
Praying Through The Tabernacle Plan (Heaven to Earth: The Tabernacle Today) THE TABERNACLE In Exodus, Chapters 25-31, God gave detailed instructions to Moses on Mt. Sinai for building the Tabernacle to house His presence. The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure inside a rectangular courtyard, facing East, surrounded by a fence made of pillars and linen hangings, and covered as area 45’ long, and 15’ wide, with a 15’ high covering. In the outer courtyard were the brazen alter nearest the entrance, and the laver of water. Inside the tent were the Holy Place (housing the candlestick, the table of shewbread, and the golden altar of incense) and the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant rested). In and above the Holy of Holies, God appeared as a pillar of cloud or fire. Each article of furniture represents a different prayer focus that has a unique meaning corresponding with its original purpose defined by God, and a place in the “types and shadows” that exist between the Old and New Testaments. STEP 1- THE GATE Here, we enter into His gate with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). PRAYER FOCUS: We begin here. Thank God for every blessing and praise Him for His mighty acts. STEP 2 - THE BRAZEN ALTER For sinful man to even approach a holy God, there must be a blood sacrifice. Jesus died as an atonement for our sins. The brazen alter is where we repent and rid ourselves of sinful deeds and desires. PRAYER FOCUS: No one can repent for us. Jesus became our sacrifice so we could receive the gift of repentance. At the alter we search our hearts, acknowledge our sins, and ask God to forgive us. STEP 3 - THE LAVER OF WATER Once sins were atoned for, cleansing was necessary before serving in the Holy Place. We must daily look into the mirror of; be washed by; and apply His word as cleansing so we may serve and minister before Him. PRAYER FOCUS: Here we take time to read and meditate on God’s Word and allow it to wash over us and through us. When we examine ourselves with his Word as our guide, the Word will sanctify and cleanse us. STEP 4 - THE FIVE PILLARS Each pillar symbolizes one of the characteristics of God named by Isaiah. PRAYER FOCUS: “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Pray for a revelation of the power of and for the office of each name to be present in our lives. STEP 5 - THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK This oil is symbolic of the illuminating and revelatory power of the Holy Ghost. The priest’s duty was to keep the wicks trimmed so the lamp would exude pure light without smoke. PRAYER FOCUS: At this source of continuous shinning light ask God for spiritual revelation, direction and guidance. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Ghost to be active in our lives. Jesus said “I am the light of the world...” (John 8:12). STEP 6 - THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD The table/bread symbolized God’s willingness to fellowship with man and him to be in His presence. PRAYER FOCUS: “I am the bread of life...” (John 6:35, 49-50). This bread of His presence is the “rhema” (God -breathed) Word of God to us. Ask God to speak to our hearts and allow us to commune with Him and hear His voice and follow Him. Pray for those who share His bread with us: missionaries, pastors, evangelists and church leaders. STEP 7 - THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE Only the fire of repentance can burn the incense of our intercession. This is a symbol of our prayers and intercession going up to God as a sweet fragrance. PRAYER FOCUS: “Let my prayer be sent forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). Here the incense offered is symbolic of our worship. After worship, we make intercession for others and for any situation in our lives that requires His intervention. Biblically, Jesus ever makes intercession for us. The golden altar of incense is where every request can be presented to a prayer-answering God. STEP 8 - THE VEIL It represents the flesh of Jesus rent in the final sacrifice and marked physical separation from the spiritual. Whoever went in the Holy of Holies entered into God’s very presence. PRAYER FOCUS: The veil is symbolic of the barrier of our flesh. Here we ask God to give us power to go beyond ourselves, to operate not on our own faith but on God’s faith. Meditate on the revelation of the name of Jesus and acknowledge Him as the Messiah - God manifest in the flesh as testified in the gospels. We enter into His presence. STEP 9 - THE HOLY OF HOLIES Inside the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant which contained three symbolic items: a golden pot of manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the stone containing the Ten Commandments. The Mercy Seat, where God communed with man, rested as the top of the ark. Because the ark was God’s throne among His people, it was a symbol of His presence and power. PRAYER FOCUS: Only the blood gives us access to the Holy of Holies. The Ten Commandments (The Law) is covered by the blood of the sacrifice. There is only mercy. We are free and without judgment. This is the place of intimacy with God. Now we may act in the authority represented by Aaron’s rod that budded. Through Christ, we take authority over things that work against us. We are surrounded by angels, and the miracle of the manna reminds us that whatever we need, He will supply.