JUST FOR PRAYING
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"There was a man named Jabez who was more distinguished than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel..." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

Jabez wasn't know for his heroic acts.

Jabez didn't lead a great army into a victorious battle.

Jabez didn't bring about a great revival in the land.

Jabez didn't get mentioned in the Bible in more than this particular place.

Jabez is noted for praying.

Praying.

Not a grand prayer.

Not a lengthy prayer.

Not a prayer spoken before thousands or at a special occasion.

Jabez spoke to God about God blessing him, enlarging his sphere of influence, walking with him and keeping him from the chains of temptation.

That is a heroic act. It was, and is, the battle cry for victory. It did bring revival to the land--if for no one else than Jabez.

Oh, that we would pray like Jabez.

Sidenote: Have you read/studied the book, The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson? I would highly recommend you spend some time locating it and reading it--after, of course, you've spent time in the Word.