Do you remember the popular book by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson entitled “The Prayer of Jabez?” Dr. Wilkinson encouraged us to pray Jabez’ simple prayer as found in the Old Testament.

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. 1 Chronicles 4:10  (NIV)

Many churches and individuals posted this prayer where they would see and pray it often, hoping for the blessings and life free from pain that Jabez received from the Lord.

I still pray Jabez’ prayer every now and then, but I go beyond Jabez.  I’m challenged to use all God’s Word in prayer.  Throughout the scriptures are other prayers and petitions, just as powerful as that of Jabez.  So, why stop at Chronicles?

Let’s also pray these petitions from…

Nehemiah in Nehemiah 1:6 (NIV) “Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes be open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night.”

David in  Psalm 13:1 (NKJV) “How long, Lord?  Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me??

Isaiah in Isaiah 33:2 (NIV) “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for You.  Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”

Daniel in Daniel 9:19 (NIV) “O Lord, listen!  O Lord, forgive!  O Lord, hear and act!  For Your sake, O my God, do not delay…”

I encourage you to go beyond the prayer of Jabez, searching your whole Bible for prayer starters for pouring out your heart to God.  Underline them, highlight them, write them on note cards for your bathroom mirror or the steering wheel of your car.  Go beyond Jabez and use all God’s Word in prayer!

“…So is My Word that goes out from my mouth it will not return to Me empty, it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)