Prayer of Jabez

Concerning James Evans’ article about the book “The Prayer of Jabez” in the June 7, 2001, edition The Alabama Baptist:

Did James Evans even read Bruce Wilkinson’s book? Mr. Evans promptly dismissed the prayer of Jabez as little more than “shallow selfishness” saying, “Me, and me alone, is the subject of the prayer.” Where are we told in God’s Word to not take our troubles, worries and our requests for ourselves to our Abba Father? He delights in showering His children with blessings.

Evans further mocks Jabez’s prayer by saying, “The shallow selfishness of the prayer of Jabez becomes obvious when compared to the real thing [the prayer of Jesus].

My response? “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, …” (2 Tim. 3:16). My friend, the prayer of Jabez is the real thing- God through His Holy Spirit inspired Jabez’s prayer just as He did His Son’s own plea. We get into big trouble when we start believing that one part of God’s Word is more holy or important than another part.

May my prayer forever be, “Oh yes, Lord! Bless me indeed- give me something that will make my life better! Give me more of You! Enlarge my territory for Your glory. And never remove Your hand from me, because I can’t face this alone. And keep me from all temptation or evil, so that I shall neither cause nor be in pain!” Amen.

Tonya Lee
Rockford, Ala.