The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson
ISBN : 1-5767.3733-0
Publisher : Multnomah
Our Rating :

Jabez is a minor Old Testament figure, making his appearance in 1 Chronicles, chapter 4. Jabez prayer is a simple one: 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.'

Bruce Wilkinson's book should be treated with caution. On the one hand, simply praying the Jabez prayer regularly will not automatically deliver untold blessings - Christian experience and doctrine tells us that blessings are given through God's grace, rather than simply in response to an automatic prayer. On the other hand, this is an easy to read book that has encouraged many people to turn to God in prayer and ask Him for what their hearts desire.

The Prayer of Jabez is reviewed here principally because it has been such a strong seller. There are other books which give a stronger introduction to meeting with God in prayer. We particularly recommend Bill Hybels' Too Busy to Pray.