What is Wrong with "The Prayer of Jabez"?

The Prayer of Jabez and the Danger of Prosperity Theology

The Prayer of Jabez is a best-selling book based on a very short story in 1 Chronicles 4, 9 -10. There we read of a man named Jabez, who cried out to the God of Israel, saying, O that you would bless me and enlarge my territory.

Let your hand be with me, and keep me from the evil one. And God granted his request. Bruce Wilkinson said to pray this prayer every day. I challenge you to make the Jabez Prayer for Blessing part of the daily fabric of your life.

You'll notice significant changes, and this prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit. There's nothing wrong with asking God for blessing, but fans of this book acted like Wilkinson deciphered some long-lost spell that we can use to charm God into giving us what we want.

Why the Book Promises More Than Scripture Does

Wilkinson said God always answers this prayer. This is prosperity theology nonsense. There is no gospel in this book. We enter into God's presence only by the atoning blood of Christ, who intercedes for us before the Father.

God never promises us earthly blessing. The Apostle Paul was tormented by a messenger of Satan, and he prayed three times that it would leave him. But Jesus said, My grace is sufficient for you. Oh, if only Paul had known the Prayer of Jabez.

Spiritual Blessing in Christ, Not Earthly Prosperity

While we are not promised earthly blessing, in Christ we are given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, when we understand the text.