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Rating: 
Summary: Mine Was Not Intended To Be A Model Prayer
Review: As an example of rightly dividing the Word of Truth, in this little book Gary Gilley exposes the error that so fundamentally flaws Bruce Wilkinson's "The Prayer of Jabez". It is a refreshing analysis of two short verses that were, obviously, only intended to show that Jabez prayed for additional land (nothing more, nothing less) and God granted him that. (There's absolutely nothing there that can be construed to indicate that it should be seen as a "model" prayer that the Christian should follow today.)In the latter part of the book Gilley provides the reader a straight forward 3 step approach for studying the Bible; observation, interpretation, and application. Today, it seems to be so easy to publish and popularize blatant error and to draw undiscerning multitudes to it through a kind of The Emporer's New Clothes mentality. While some adherents to The Prayer of Jabez theme may expect to strongly disagree with Gilley's book, they should try to read it with an open mind and carefully consider whether Wilkinson's book really squares with Scripture.
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Summary: Wilkinson¿s prayer, not Jabez¿s prayer
Review: Don't get your doctrines (teachings on God's truth) from books; always get them from the Bible itself. I typically read one or two chapters of the Bible every day without commentary or footnotes, and I recommend this practice for all believers. Books like _The Prayer of Jabez_ by Bruce Wilkinson are excellent for reading personal testimony and about the author's spiritual attitude, but not for doctrine about how to pray or how to interpret Bible passages. This is why I encourage everyone to read Wilkinson's book, but also read Gary E. Gilley's book, _I Just Wanted More Land--Jabez_. Gilley encourages all of us to follow correct principles when we interpret any passage, which Wilkinson didn't do. Wilkinson's book is mainly about the Great Commission (telling others about Jesus); Jabez couldn't possibly have meant that because the Great Commission hadn't begun yet. Also, Wilkinson encourages readers to repeat the words of the Jabez Prayer daily, when it's the author's changed heart that God honors in prayer rather than the misinterpreted words he prays. Unfortunately, not all readers of Wilkinson's book have spiritual discernment (either from not being saved--even though they call themselves Christians--or because they don't set aside time daily to read the Bible, or because they read through the flesh--emotion or intellect--rather than through the Holy Spirit). Also, Wilkinson sometimes contradicts himself or hypes up his claims about what the misinterpreted prayer will do for its readers. Therefore, everyone should read Gilley's book in addition to Wilkinson's. But don't throw Wilkinson's book out the window: Wilkinson's attitude (his zest for souls and desire to serve God rather than praying to God to serve him) makes _The Prayer of Jabez_ worthwhile and exciting to read. Even better, he tells his personal testimony about how God made him a spiritual warrior for Christ. Gilley's book (a quick read, like Wilkinson's) ends with a 45-page lesson on how not to twist scripture while reading the Bible. Wow! We all need this. It's written in group study format with homework and activities, but can be read straight through for those who already understand these concepts. Fortunately, he doesn't mention the Jabez prayer at all in this section, which is a relief after the first 60 pages. By the way, I think it's funny that Gilley sees Wilkinson's book as teaching the prosperity gospel (also called the "health and wealth gospel"), while I see it as teaching a spirit of prayer to accompany telling people about Jesus. That's because I read _The Prayer of Jabez_ for its gist, choosing not to overanalyze it. This is an imperfect book written by a mere human (not scripture), so I gave Wilkinson leeway to be wrong sometimes, and ignored his contradictory statements. I chose not to read it for doctrine, which I only get from the Bible itself. Also, Wilkinson told us early on (p. 24) that he is not talking about the prosperity gospel, so I chose not to interpret his book that way. The book which Gilley is reviewing could more accurately be called _The Prayer of Wilkinson_ rather than _The Prayer of Jabez_ because Wilkinson misinterprets the Jabez prayer. Thus, it's really Wilkinson's prayer that he teaches us in his book. Whenever people gain positive results from the "Jabez" prayer, I believe it's because they're duplicating the spirit with which Wilkinson prays rather than because they are mimicking verbatim the words of Jabez. God searches the heart (Luke 16:15, Joel 2:12-13, Romans 8:26-27, James 5:16); words are less important to Him (Matthew 6:7). Below, I paraphrase Wilkinson's prayer in my own words (except when quoted), and list page references which I am summarizing from. 1. God, please bless me in whatever ways You choose, in conformity with Your will for my life. (p. 24) 2. "...Expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for Your glory. Let me do more for You!" (p. 30) 3. Let me depend on Your power rather than my own, to accomplish amazing things I couldn't accomplish without You. (p. 46-49) 4. Finally, Lord, please keep temptations away from me, so that I don't sin, ruining the ministries you are giving me. (p. 63, 67) Overall, I recommend Gilley's book, except that he overanalyzes, and he barely gives recognition to the *attitude* of prayer, where Wilkinson really shines. Gilley writes as if the main themes of Wilkinson's book (praying to give God the glory and share the Gospel) are mere side-notes. Worse, Gilley assumes that everyone who appreciates Wilkinson's book lacks scriptural discernment, which is not always the case. So take both Wilkinson and Gilley with a grain of salt, and read the Bible daily for pure doctrine and truth.
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Summary: Dead On
Review: I read Wilkinson's "Prayer of Jabez" with an open mind and absolutely could not believe why such a piece of apostasy was a best seller. But the stock market was running wild in the late 90's, everyone was doing well, so in retrospect, maybe it was not quite a surprise at all. Wilkinson's exposition of four verses from Chronicles was beyond stretching. We may never know the real Jabez's motivation for his prayer. But remember his name means "pain." There are plenty of New Testament references cited by Mr. Gilley that clearly dispute Wilkinson's obnoxious "health and wealth", "name it and claim it" gospel. Jesus also clearly taught against repetitious prayers. C'mon Christians.....see through Wilkinson's garbage. Gilley is right on with his rebutting of Wilkinson's book. With the economy tanking right now, I wonder how many "Jabez" readers are now more than a little disillusioned? Thank you Mr. Gilley for your courage in writing a book that is against the Christian current, but right on !!
Rating:
Summary: Dead On
Review: I read Wilkinson's "Prayer of Jabez" with an open mind and absolutely could not believe why such a piece of apostasy was a best seller. But the stock market was running wild in the late 90's, everyone was doing well, so in retrospect, maybe it was not quite a surprise at all. Wilkinson's exposition of four verses from Chronicles was beyond stretching. We may never know the real Jabez's motivation for his prayer. But remember his name means "pain." There are plenty of New Testament references cited by Mr. Gilley that clearly dispute Wilkinson's obnoxious "health and wealth", "name it and claim it" gospel. Jesus also clearly taught against repetitious prayers. C'mon Christians.....see through Wilkinson's garbage. Gilley is right on with his rebutting of Wilkinson's book. With the economy tanking right now, I wonder how many "Jabez" readers are now more than a little disillusioned? Thank you Mr. Gilley for your courage in writing a book that is against the Christian current, but right on !!
Rating:
Summary: Must Reading For Those Who Think
Review: If you've read (or even have heard) of the Prayer of Jabez, this book is must reading. Instead of following the crowd, this book carefully examines what the true meaning of Jabez's brief prayer is all about. Although critical reviews may not be popular at this time, this book moves back to a time when misguided application of God's word could be challenged without resorting to vicious personal attacks. Well worth reading if you would like to think deeper about The Prayer of Jabez.
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Summary: Read a Little, learn a lot
Review: The author presents a well-researched, and well supported
critical work. If this book does nothing else, perhaps it
will make people read more critically, and always search for
the Bible's true meanings, not the ones THEY want to insert.
Rating:
Summary: Fairly good book but... he grinds his own ax
Review: This book does an excellent job of pointing out the errors of the Prayer of Jabez. The Mantra of Jabez was just as good in it's parody.
Gilley has his own subtle hemeneutic errors. If you are really interested in hermenuetics, buy some books on it, or on how to study the bible. Make sure you read more than one book on the subject matter, because you will learn more by using more than one source. There are a number of Bible Colleges that offer courses on hermeneutics or how to study the bible on the internet or via distance learning courses. Gilley's tone is somewhat acerbic, if not caustic (even though he denies this). Overall, it's worth the read, but don't take offence.
Rating:
Summary: Fairly good book but... he grinds his own ax
Review: This book does an excellent job of pointing out the errors of the Prayer of Jabez. The Mantra of Jabez was just as good in it's parody.
Gilley has his own subtle hemeneutic errors. If you are really interested in hermenuetics, buy some books on it, or on how to study the bible. Make sure you read more than one book on the subject matter, because you will learn more by using more than one source. There are a number of Bible Colleges that offer courses on hermeneutics or how to study the bible on the internet or via distance learning courses. Gilley's tone is somewhat acerbic, if not caustic (even though he denies this). Overall, it's worth the read, but don't take offence.
Rating:
Summary: How to really enlarge your borders
Review: This little book provides a fair, and gentle look at Bruce Wilkinson's best seller "The Prayer of Jabez". It carefully exposes the true exegesis of I Chronicles 4: 9 and 10, and then even supplies readers with two wonderful sections packed with valuable tools to help each one of us study the Scriptures for ourselves, and in context. Though, sadly, it will never sell like Wilkinson's book because it lacks the Prosperity Gospel message that all those ticklish ears out there want to hear. Instead it focuses, as we all should, on one of the most critical topics for all Christendom today. Discernment. Or the sad lack of it. It is, as this book points out, truly apalling that the ability, or worse even the desire, of most Christians is to read what they want to hear, sprinkled with a few verses, rather than truly studying God's Word, and discerning truth from it. We should be grateful that when most "Christian" authors are swimming out with the tide of popularity, there are still a few that because of a tremendous belief in the accuracy, and authority, of the living Word of God have no choice but to swim upstream. If you can put into practice the Bible study methods espoused in this little book you also will be well on your way upstream against the current.
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Summary: We Just Understand It As a Prayer, Gary
Review: With all the hype out there on "The Prayer of Jabez", it was frustrating not to have a good book on the market that dealt with it from a purely Biblical standpoint. "I Just Wanted More Land" does just that. Gary is concise, readable, and straight to the point in this little book. He uncovers the faulty exegesis behind the book's content, and then does something about it! The second half of the book is worth the price of the whole. Gary gives some basic information on Bible study and interpretation that is vital for the church in our postmodern days. This is a must read for all Christians, especially pastors and other Christian workers. I recommend this book highly.
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