17/05/2026
A Prayer That God Delights To Answer
I Chronicles 4:9-10
9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Introduction:
∆ God has three answers in our prayers: Yes, No, and wait.
∆ However, there is a kind of prayer that God delights to answer as our loving heavenly Father.
∆ today, let us talk about the "prayer of Jabez".
∆ his prayer will teach us many principles on why God delights to grant what he had prayed for:
1. It is not about the length of the prayer.
2. It is not about the flowery words or language used.
3. It is not centered on human benefits but God's.
∆ the prayer of Jabez was hidden in a genealogy (records of a family tree).
∆ genealogies are places most people skip in reading the Bible. And in that unlikely place, God highlights one man and his simple prayer.
What can we learn from Jabez' prayer?
I. It shows DEPENDENCE to God. (V.10a)
“Jabez called upon the God of Israel…”
-he prays to the Creator and Sustainer of Israel.
A. The object of prayer was the right person.
-it was addressed to " God" which is the word "Elohim" in hebrew.
-Elohim is the general name of God revealed in the creation account. (Genesis 1:1) Which emphasizes power, majesty and sovereignty.
-to whom do we address our prayers?
Examples of a prayer addressed to a powerless god:
1. The Prophets of Baal ( 1 Kings 18:26–29)
They prayed from morning until noon and even cut themselves to get the fire for their animal sacrifice.
Result:
No voice. No answer. No response!
Remember:
False gods are powerless and unresponsive.
2. Graven Idols (Psalm 115:4–8)
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
It implies any “prayer” to them is EMPTY!
Principle:
People can be sincere but sincerely wrong because sincerity is not the basis for truth.
Remember:
“Jabez lived in a dark and unstable time, the period of the Judges yet he stood out as a man who called on God.”
B. The prayer was founded on his relationship with God.
-in verse 9 it says, Jabez was "more honorable" than his brethren even though his name means "sorrow" or "pain".
-He is honorable because of his character which is a godly one.
-notice, God allowed his story to be inserted in the long family tree of Judah for a purpose.
-Jabez has a good relationship with his God and his life is the evidence of it.
Remember:
"Effective prayer flows from a relationship with God".
Matthew 7:10-11
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
-even Jesus taught His disciples how to pray:
Luke 11:2 KJV
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, OUR FATHER which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Principle:
Prayer becomes effective when its object is correct.
II. It shows a DESIRE for God's purpose. (V.10b)
A. A Prayer for God’s Blessing
“Oh that You would bless me indeed…”
The word "indeed" intensifies the request.
- Blessing here means God’s favor, presence, and enablement.
Note:
It is not wrong to ask God to bless you if your heart is aligned with Him.
Parents, it is not wrong to ask the Lord to bless your children.
It is not wrong to ask the Lord to bless our businesses, houses, cars, jobs and relationships as long as our heart and life is right with Him.
Proverbs 16:2 ISV
Everything a person does seems pure in his own opinion, but the LORD weighs intentions.
-it seems selfish but in the deeper aspect it serves a divine purpose.
When our heart is right with God, we will do His will using those prayer requests that we have asked Him.
Ngaa gusto ta sabton sang Ginoo ang aton ginapangamuyo?
Para sa diin naton ina gamiton o ano ang tinutuyo sina nga pangamuyo?
I Samuel 1:27-28
27 I prayed for this boy, and the LORD granted me the request I asked of him.
28 Now I’m dedicating him to the LORD, and as long as he lives, he will be dedicated to the LORD.” Then they worshipped the LORD there.
B. A Prayer for Greater Influence
“Enlarge my territory…”
-This could refer to land, but also influence and responsibility.
Jabez is asking for a greater opportunity to live for God.
Not “Make me comfortable”
But “Make me useful”
Principle:
Pray not just for increase but for impact!
III. It shows a DEDICATION for Holiness. (V.10)
"An effective prayer is a prayer that exalts God's glory and holiness."
A. A Prayer for God’s Presence.
“That Your hand would be with me…”
“God’s hand” symbolizes power, guidance, and favor.
Jabez knows expansion without God’s presence is empty.
"Wala pulos ang mga pagpakamaayo ukon aton nalambot kung wala man ang himaya kag presensiya dira sang Diyos."
Principle:
Never seek success without God’s presence.
Psalm 84:10 BBE
For a day in your house is better than a thousand. It is better to be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to be living in the tents of sin.
B. A Prayer for Protection from Evil.
“Keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!”
This is a reversal of his name (Jabez=pain, sorrow)
Jabez is not just asking to be blessed only but he is asking to be holy as well.
Principle:
The greatest danger is not failure but it is living a sinful lifestyle.
Jesus said in the Lord's prayer;
"Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil"
B1. One of the hindrances for an answered prayer is sinful desire.
James 4:3 KJV
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Remember:
Prayer is not just changing our circumstances but also changing the disposition of our heart towards God.
What is the result of His prayer?
“And God granted what he asked.”
- Simple, direct statement, no explanation just divine response.
Lesson:
God responds to prayers that align with His will and character.
Conclusion:
This prayer is:
-Not a formula for guaranteed prosperity.
-Not a “pray this and get rich” text.
God honors those who seek His blessing, pursue His purpose, depend on His presence, and desire His holiness.
Challenge:
Don’t just pray for a better life, pray to become a better servant of God.
