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It s a timeless prayer that produces timely results! Bruce Wilkinson takes readers to 1 Chronicles 4:10 to discover how they can release God s miraculous power and experience the blessings God longs to give each of us. The life of Jabez, one of the Bible s most overlooked heroes of the faith, bursts from unbroken pages of genealogies in an audacious, fourpart prayer that brings him an extraordinary measure of divine favor, anointing, and protection. Readers who commit to offering the same show more prayer on a regular basis will find themselves extravagantly blessed by God, and agents of His miraculous power, in everyday life. show lessTags
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JenniferRobb Another book in The Breakthrough Series
JenniferRobb Looks at Rahab and how her faith saved her and her family when their city was destroyed by the Israelites. The red cord she hung in her window was a signal.
Member Reviews
I don't read many non-Catholic devotionals. But I am more familiar with this one since it was greatly popular among Protestants in the years before I became Catholic. I didn't read it until recently. My parents, who are Baptist, have it at their house for decoration, so I decided to read it.
Books like this are popular among adherents to the so-called Prosperity Gospel, which seems to be more popular during strong economic times. The idea is this: God is waiting to give us all sorts of material blessings (health, wealth, land, etc.) if we would only ask him. If we don't ask him, we won't get these things.
As a Catholic, I believe that while Jabez's faith is to be commended, and that while there is nothing wrong with asking God for show more material blessings, it remains that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim. 6:10) and that Jesus says "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Lk. 6:20) and "woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation" (v. 24). So we need to exercise prudence in praying such prayers, and seek the reason why we need material goods. (Wilkinson never reflected on why, from an historical perspective, Jabez might ask for what he did.)
The implication of Wilkinson's beliefs expressed in this book are that if you do have X, Y, Z, you lack faith or you are not praying properly. Conventional Christian wisdom says, "God will give you what you ask for if and only if it is in conformity with the will of God" but Wilkinson's message says, "God will give you what you ask for if and only if you ask for it."
Wilkinson tells a story at the end of the book where he prays that his flight is late so he won't miss it. He believes that the flight is made late by God so he can speak to a woman in the terminal. But I have a hard time believing that this MUST be the case. First, God could have arranged a meeting another way (by, for instance, helping Wilkinson be early to the terminal). Second, I have a hunch (and this is only a hunch) that at least one person prayed that the plane wouldn't be late.
I have met Christians who subscribe to this reading of the Bible and refuse to help the poor and the needy because they should help themselves. It is true that God helps those who help themselves, but he does this through the hands of other people. That common saying (which is not found in the Bible) does not preclude us from helping others.
Whenever we read the Bible, it must be read in context of the whole of Scripture. Unfortunately, Mr. Wilkinson seems to neglect the Beatitudes and much of the teachings of Jesus, especially as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. show less
Books like this are popular among adherents to the so-called Prosperity Gospel, which seems to be more popular during strong economic times. The idea is this: God is waiting to give us all sorts of material blessings (health, wealth, land, etc.) if we would only ask him. If we don't ask him, we won't get these things.
As a Catholic, I believe that while Jabez's faith is to be commended, and that while there is nothing wrong with asking God for show more material blessings, it remains that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim. 6:10) and that Jesus says "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Lk. 6:20) and "woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation" (v. 24). So we need to exercise prudence in praying such prayers, and seek the reason why we need material goods. (Wilkinson never reflected on why, from an historical perspective, Jabez might ask for what he did.)
The implication of Wilkinson's beliefs expressed in this book are that if you do have X, Y, Z, you lack faith or you are not praying properly. Conventional Christian wisdom says, "God will give you what you ask for if and only if it is in conformity with the will of God" but Wilkinson's message says, "God will give you what you ask for if and only if you ask for it."
Wilkinson tells a story at the end of the book where he prays that his flight is late so he won't miss it. He believes that the flight is made late by God so he can speak to a woman in the terminal. But I have a hard time believing that this MUST be the case. First, God could have arranged a meeting another way (by, for instance, helping Wilkinson be early to the terminal). Second, I have a hunch (and this is only a hunch) that at least one person prayed that the plane wouldn't be late.
I have met Christians who subscribe to this reading of the Bible and refuse to help the poor and the needy because they should help themselves. It is true that God helps those who help themselves, but he does this through the hands of other people. That common saying (which is not found in the Bible) does not preclude us from helping others.
Whenever we read the Bible, it must be read in context of the whole of Scripture. Unfortunately, Mr. Wilkinson seems to neglect the Beatitudes and much of the teachings of Jesus, especially as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. show less
Honestly, the author lost me when he claimed he was once on a flight and the men on either side of him suddenly and inexplicably pulled out "porn." I'm willing to bet it was a Sports Illustrated, Maxim, or FHM type of magazine, but to call that "porn" is far fetched.
So, this book was left in my Little Free Library. Actually, four (4) copies of this were left in my Little Free Library, so someone really wants to get the message out on this one. I mean, it's an interesting enough read, finding this obscure little prayer from a Bible figure mentioned only once and basing a solid part of your faith in it, but some of the experiences Wilkinson maintains occurred while he was using this method are a little too fortuitous. Not to say that they show more didn't happen, but did they necessarily happen just when he was asking for them in his prayers?
I find it interesting as an in-depth look at one particular Bible reference, almost like a very specific literary analysis. I'll more than likely divide the copies up between my Little Free and some others around town. show less
So, this book was left in my Little Free Library. Actually, four (4) copies of this were left in my Little Free Library, so someone really wants to get the message out on this one. I mean, it's an interesting enough read, finding this obscure little prayer from a Bible figure mentioned only once and basing a solid part of your faith in it, but some of the experiences Wilkinson maintains occurred while he was using this method are a little too fortuitous. Not to say that they show more didn't happen, but did they necessarily happen just when he was asking for them in his prayers?
I find it interesting as an in-depth look at one particular Bible reference, almost like a very specific literary analysis. I'll more than likely divide the copies up between my Little Free and some others around town. show less
Epiphany-OviedoELCA library section 5a: Devotions and Prayer. This series is based on an obscure Bible passage, I Corinthians 4:9, a little-known prayer by a descendant of Judah named Jabez, in which he asks God to provide him with abundant blessings, power and protection. The author then explains how we can use this prayer in our own life. The trouble I find with this book is that it takes the dogma of wealth too far; it seems to come to the conclusion that if only Christians pray hard enough, they will be surrounded by money and wealth and all the good things of life. That's just not true. Many Christians are poor, hungry, and homeless even though they might pray 24/7.
In terms of abundance, I think this prayer asks for wealth in show more terms of comfort, peace, and contentment with what one has been given by God. That is a type of abundance and blessing totally unrelated to monetary wealth. And if one is not satisfied with that, one should find ways to receive the training needed to get the job or career that will enable them to be self-supporting. Unfortunately many people are stuck in situations over which they have little control (too many kids, for example, quitting school before graduation, etc.) and find themselves unable to scrape together the money or the time to make something of their lives. Yes, God wants us to have all good things, and God can certainly provide us with protection, but this book and its study guides, journals and other accompaniments are just a little too pat and complacent for me. They seem to say that if I find myself without wealth I am either 1) not praying hard enough or 2) I am unworthy of financial abundance.
I find it rather humorous that the gent who donated this book to my former church's library was a financial planner -- seemingly ready to help his fellow parishioners to make their money grow! Good gravy Marie! show less
In terms of abundance, I think this prayer asks for wealth in show more terms of comfort, peace, and contentment with what one has been given by God. That is a type of abundance and blessing totally unrelated to monetary wealth. And if one is not satisfied with that, one should find ways to receive the training needed to get the job or career that will enable them to be self-supporting. Unfortunately many people are stuck in situations over which they have little control (too many kids, for example, quitting school before graduation, etc.) and find themselves unable to scrape together the money or the time to make something of their lives. Yes, God wants us to have all good things, and God can certainly provide us with protection, but this book and its study guides, journals and other accompaniments are just a little too pat and complacent for me. They seem to say that if I find myself without wealth I am either 1) not praying hard enough or 2) I am unworthy of financial abundance.
I find it rather humorous that the gent who donated this book to my former church's library was a financial planner -- seemingly ready to help his fellow parishioners to make their money grow! Good gravy Marie! show less
I thought that this was a great little book about a prayer that little known Jabez (from 1 Chronicles in the Old Testament) had spoken. For those not aware, that particular Chapter is a litany of begats-- literally the genealogy of the various tribes of Israel, then the narrator stops during the list to focus on Jabez. Jabez was one of the least of his tribe, and according to the custom, had been named what according to what his parents wished for his destiny, and they obviously did not expect much out of him. Jabez meant "birthed in pain", or "he causes or will cause pain"... that's love for you right? Imagine growing up burdened with a name like that! So his little prayer moved the heart of God, that Jabez would reach out and believe show more that a God would love him and want more for him and believe in him more than anyone in the world did-- it was truly a statement of faith, and was so worthy of mention that the narrator had to stop midflow and record it for posterity sake.
The challenge is, since God is no respecter of persons, and if we come to him with a heart, like Jabez, to see him work in our lives for His purposes-- pray the prayer everyday for a month and see how God may move in our own lives. I say, what has anyone got to lose? Prayer can't hurt anyone. It is not about giving God a laundry list of our "wants" and expecting Him to fulfill it like our up-in-the-sky genie, but more about thinking outside of the box and allowing God to do what He wants in our lives and see where He wants to take us. I like to keep this little book on my nightstand with my Bible and devotional and remind myself of how good God is. : ) show less
The challenge is, since God is no respecter of persons, and if we come to him with a heart, like Jabez, to see him work in our lives for His purposes-- pray the prayer everyday for a month and see how God may move in our own lives. I say, what has anyone got to lose? Prayer can't hurt anyone. It is not about giving God a laundry list of our "wants" and expecting Him to fulfill it like our up-in-the-sky genie, but more about thinking outside of the box and allowing God to do what He wants in our lives and see where He wants to take us. I like to keep this little book on my nightstand with my Bible and devotional and remind myself of how good God is. : ) show less
Reading Bruce Wilkinson's The Prayer of Jabez brings mixed feelings. On the one hand, the author encourages Christians to dream big and aim high for the Lord. This is good teaching, no doubt about that. Christians would be a blessings to the people around us if we have the assurance that the Lord indeed blesses us daily and tremendously. Therefore we should boldly ask the Lord for His blessing. On the other hand, however, we do have to recognize that God does not always answer our prayer with a "yes" -- even for ministry opportunities. Whether a prayer is answered with a "yes" or "no", the decision is ultimately in God's hand because He is sovereign. From a human standpoint, this is mystery.
I am glad that the author does mention sin as show more a barrier. Without that chapter, his views as expressed through this book would have been seriously one-sided. Even with such a mention, the book nevertheless shows obvious signs of "prosperity theology." show less
I am glad that the author does mention sin as show more a barrier. Without that chapter, his views as expressed through this book would have been seriously one-sided. Even with such a mention, the book nevertheless shows obvious signs of "prosperity theology." show less
This book, to me, was a Huge Disappointment. What the book was about, is about a prayer. The Author, takes the prayer right out of the Bible. And it is a good one. It is filled with hope. It is filled with a great positive attitude. The author breaks it down frame by frame with his own personal experiences and why he believes in the power of this Prayer.
3 quarters of the book are powerful. I sincerely believe in the power of the subconscious mind. I believe that if you tell your subconscious anything, even in prayer, it will respond to your commands.
Then, at the end, he screws the Pooch. See, the one thing that Christians are predictable at, if nothing else, is that they give God all the praise. All the crap that happens they blame on show more Satan. (Which does not make sense to me as God CREATED EVERYTHING - Satan Included) So,right there, at the last quarter of the book, I took it for another piece of Christian Propaganda.
If you are into this type of stuff, then this book is for you. Me? I have wised up millions of times since 3rd grade...... show less
3 quarters of the book are powerful. I sincerely believe in the power of the subconscious mind. I believe that if you tell your subconscious anything, even in prayer, it will respond to your commands.
Then, at the end, he screws the Pooch. See, the one thing that Christians are predictable at, if nothing else, is that they give God all the praise. All the crap that happens they blame on show more Satan. (Which does not make sense to me as God CREATED EVERYTHING - Satan Included) So,right there, at the last quarter of the book, I took it for another piece of Christian Propaganda.
If you are into this type of stuff, then this book is for you. Me? I have wised up millions of times since 3rd grade...... show less
I have had this book on my shelf for years and never took it down. And the picture of a guy getting to heaven and seeing a box full of blessings that he didn't ask for just hit me between the eyes. Many of my messages center around "You have not because you ask not". But this gives me a lot more to pray about every day.
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228+ Works 18,825 Members
Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson is the founder and president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries C. Michael Dudash is a freelance artist and illustrator. His oil paintings have won him a national reputation and numerous awards from The Society of Illustrators (NYC and LA), The Society of Publication Designers, Communication Arts, Art Direction, and How show more magazines show less
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- Canonical title
- The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
- Original title
- The Prayer of Jabez; The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
- Original publication date
- 2000
- People/Characters
- God; Bruce Wilkinson; Jabez; Darlene Wilkinson; Richard Seume
- Dedication
- To all who --- like those Christians in the book of Acts --- look at who they are now and who they'll never be, and what they can do now an what they'll never be able to do... and still ask God for the world.
- First words
- Dear Reader, I want to teach you how to pray a daring prayer that God always answered.
The little book you're holding is about what happens when ordinary Christians decide to reach for an extraordinary life--which, as it turns out, is exactly the kind God promises. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)So God granted him what he requested.
- Original language
- English
Classifications
- Genres
- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 242.722 — Religion Christian practice & observance Devotional literature Particular Prayers; Prayers on Particular Themes; Prayers to Particular Persons Lord's Prayer
- LCC
- BS1345.6 .P68 .W55 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion The Bible The Bible Old Testament Special parts of the Old Testament
- BISAC
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- Reviews
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- (3.23)
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- ISBNs
- 35
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- 2
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- 9