(March 28, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares …

Dear Dr Robert
I know that the prayer of Jabez has been highlighted for a few years now, with several booklets written about it. It happened to come to mind the other day and I was wondering what your thoughts are on this prayer. Danny.

Hi Danny
I was first struck by this prayer many years ago, but unfortunately with Easter virtually here I’m limited time-wise and unable to respond to you as I wish.

However, it so happens that my friend Dr Richard Winter recently emailed me some brief thoughts on this prayer – a different slant that he’d shared with his church and blessed them all. I know that he won’t mind me sharing them below…

Freedom Prayer
This is the ‘Prayer of Jabez’ is by a young man whose  birth had been painful to his Mom. His name Jabez – ya‛bêts – means to grieve; make sorrowful, and he is only mentioned once in the entire Bible.

In humble faith Jabez prayed his very short prayer to God as recorded in 1Chronicles 4:9-10: ‘Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 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.’

What a precious prayer!

Fantastic Prayer   
In fact a prayer! One that I believe we all should pray not only for ourselves but over people that we know, encounter, need such prayer. It’s  a righteous prayer of blessing that will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

For example, here’s my prayer for you: ‘Lord, I ask in faith for those reading this that you would bless them indeed with more resources than they could ever need –

• Causing them to be the biggest blessing they could ever be to others.
• Giving them more influence on their job.
• Influencing them in their world that they attract others with their life and their leadership.
• Imparting your anointing, and your power, and your presence for supernatural blessing.
• Providing divine protection on the roads.
• Protecting them health-wise.
• Shielding them, and family, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and relationally.
• Turning any season of pain into one of blessing,

In Jesus’ name, amen.’

Followers’ Prayer
Danny, there’s an old saying: ‘Blessed to be a blessing.’        

Trust these wise thoughts encourage you, Danny. Do remember Jesus’ great desire for His followers? It’s this: ‘Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognise that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other’ (John 13:34-35). Jesus wants us to bless others!

May you feel free to bless others – our Lord thought of others and should we! Jabez’ prayer was granted: may Dr Richard’s prayer for our readers – such as you – be granted too.

Incidentally, do enjoy Dr Richard’s Easter article – Still Gathering at the Cross – or Moving On
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Got a question for Dr Robert or Pr Maureen McQuillan? Email: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
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