1 Chronicles 4:10

QUESTION: 1 Chronicles 4:10 - Why does God want us to pray big prayers?

ANSWER:

1 Chronicles 4:10 speaks of a man named Jabez. Though he was born into sorrow, he was considered to be an honorable man (v. 9). Jabez prayed a powerful and big prayer to God: "…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…"

The prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10 is a plea for God to be with him. This prayer was not just a prayer to get something from God; his prayer was evidence of his deep relationship with God.

The boldness that Jabez demonstrated in 1 Chronicles 4:10 is a good example for us to follow, Proverbs 28:1 says, "…the righteous are as bold as a lion." Jabez knew what he wanted and prayed accordingly. Following his prayer, the verse says, "And God granted his request."

Another example of a man that prayed boldly before the Lord God is Abraham. In Genesis 18, God tells Abraham that He is going to destroy the city of Sodom because of their sin. Boldly, Abraham asks God not to destroy the city. Genesis 18:22 says, "The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?'"

King David wrote several bold prayers throughout his life. When he was being tormented and persecuted by King Saul, he prayed for protection and for God to spare his life.

Moses called out to God consistently for the people of Israel. God answered in mighty ways!

What makes these prayers so big and powerful is that the person praying acknowledged the Lord and sought His ways. They recognized God's sovereignty, His care, and His concern. They had the boldness to ask!

Prayer is vital and God desires for us to pray boldly! However, He also desires a sincere heart, not a complacent or haughty spirit (Matthew 6:1-15). This was how Jabez, Abraham, David, and Moses prayed and sought God. Hebrews 4:16 shares that we can go to the throne room of God, to seek Him, to pray and find mercy: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Big prayers show God's power!