Get your prayers answered!
“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 Chron. 4:10 NIV)
This short, heartfelt prayer by an old testament man named Jabez, was answered positively by God.
Why God granted what Jabez was asking
First, he asked God! That’s right, he actually brought his request to God in prayer! Sadly, many don’t receive blessings from God simply because they don’t bother to ask Him! “You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2 KJV) In order to receive from God, you must actually ask him!
Second, he “cried out to God” passionately. His prayer was sincere, heartfelt and genuine! God’s word says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16 KJV). The wonderful advantage we have as New Testament believers, is we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus!
Third, he was very specific and clear about what he wanted and asked God for. Because he asked clearly and specifically, God could answer clearly and specifically as well. Unfortunately, many don’t ask that way. The Bible says, “Let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6b NKJV).
To recap (with one addition)
1) Pray!
2) Be genuine, passionate and sincere.
3) Be specific. Make it very clear what you are asking for.
4) Use Jesus’s Name. As New Testament followers of Jesus Christ who have been given the right to come “boldly to God.” (Heb 4:16), you must pray in Jesus’s Name! That seals it! And, that is another great promise you can thank God for!
Therefore…
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark. 11:24 ESV)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4.6 ESV)
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Rom. 8:26 ESV)
“Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess. 5:17 ESV)
Quotes:
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 11:9 ESV)
“Prayer honors God, acknowledges His being, exalts His power, adores His providence, secures His aid.” - E.M. Bounds
“There is no need to get to a place of prayer; pray wherever you are.” - Oswald Chambers