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Summary: Good Book for Fundamentlists
Review: The first part of this book is great. It should really help fundamentalists. However, the remainder of the book is too fundamentalist for me. If you liked what you got from the first part of this book and if and only if you are really open to truth try An Encounter With A Prophet.
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Summary: The Prayer of Jabez
Review: The prayer of Jabez is a wonderful book. I suggest that anyone who desires more from God should read it.
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Summary: Plenty Of Inspiration From Just A Few Words
Review: I purchased "The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life on a whim - a quick scan of a short book between novels. That whim might be a miracle. I am now enamored by this simple prayer. "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 explains the prayer's meaning and benefits in an informative, yet soothing tone. For those, like me, that tend to lose the true meaning of our existence in our busy lives, this book yields a needed renewal. It is a short prayer in a small book that provides a very loud and memorable message. I recommend you consider the leather bound version to prevent the book from wearing out after repeated readings.
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Summary: Flawed by Wrong Translation & Poor Choice of References
Review: The actual quote on which this book is based reads: "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not hurt me!" Not exactly the translation that Mr. Wilkinson gives. Notice that last phrase -- it has nothing of the community-spirited wording we see mentioned in this book -- "...that I may not cause pain." After checking several translations of the Bible, I could find none which came close to Mr. Wilkinson's rendering. In all of them, it was Jabez who was praying to avoid pain by keeping away from harm. Not Jabez praying to avoid causing pain to others. That's an important distinction. The actual prayer of Jabez is a very self-centered request. Not the noble self-protecting yet community-minded cry to heaven which the author would have us accept. Why couldn't the message of this book be supported with a valid Bible reference? The author has something to say -- even if it isn't a very original message -- and shouldn't have needed to start off on such unstable ground. But being that the author wanted to share his views on the appropriate attitude for Christians to take toward material possessions, he might have considered using more familiar Bible passages and not one that is hidden deep in a section of the Bible that many people do not take time to read. For instance, why not base a Christian attitude toward material possessions on the sayings of another person mentioned in the Bible? Maybe -- and I know I might be talking nonsense here -- but what about examining the words of this one man who seems to have had much more to say than Jabez and has had a significantly greater influence over the centuries? Jesus Christ.
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Summary: Touching Time
Review: The book conveys a nice message, but I am especially impressed with how Jabez, who remained relatively unknown for millenniums, "in time" expanded his territory. It's awesome to me to wonder what expanded time our expanded territories might cover.
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Summary: Not Worth The Money
Review: Starting a new religion? Why not write totally worthless dreck about a very few lines in the Bible. It reads like a very boring Sunday Sermon given by a fool who needs to impress himself. If you want inspiration read the Good Book, or the Quaran, or the teachings of the Dali Lama. Don't waste your money on this one!
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Summary: Some things that the skeptics need to consider!
Review: I am first to admit that this isn't a perfect book. There are many things that could have been said to clear up much of the confusion and misunderstanding that many have about the book. That brings me to my first point. The burden is not on the author to do a perfect job in writing the book. The burden is upon us to rely upon the Holy Spirit to lead us into understanding as we "test all things and hold fast to that which is good." (1 Thes. 5:21) Notice that verse 19 says, "Do not quench the Spirit." Anyone who disagrees with me so far does not believe in orthodox Christian views about the Holy Spirit's reality in our lives. Although the book isn't perfect, there is a message within it that most Christians miss, especially those who outright slam the book. The purpose of the book is not to promote the prosperity gospel movement. People may take the book too far and fit it into such doctrine, but don't judge the leader by the mistaken followers (we often have to use this same argument to defend Christianity against atheists because of all the hypocrites, don't we?). These mistaken followers are off balance and wrong. However, those who reject the book's message are also off balance and wrong. The intentions of the author was to bring proper balance to the issue, to help Christians understand that God does want to bless them, if they would only turn to Him and allow Him to do so. So we are in fact praying "not my will only, but especially thy will" when we ask for blessing. It is God's will to bless us, as long as we have the right perspective about blessing, in order that we can use that blessing to bless others. To deny this would be unbiblical--it is scriptural that He fills our cup and does not let us run dry. Read the Bible people! The problem with the Prayer of Jabez book is that this balanced theme is not explained as well as one would hope, so many people miss it. But that's okay because God uses imperfect people to edify others, and when you condemn this work, you should examine and ask yourself if you are being unlovingly critical of God's work through the author. Some of you have sincerely misunderstood this book. But I venture to say that many of you and your intellectual pride have chosen to get a rise out of attacking something that you do not understand. Do you really believe that Bruce Wilkinson, in his unmistakable passion and love for Jesus Christ, would outright lie to you about the amazing events in answer to prayer that he recorded in his book? If you do, then I have news for you. I would also have to be a bringer of deception because of the testimonies that I have to share. Such skepticism paints a modern day picture of how Jesus felt when the religionists of the day criticized the obvious manifestation of God through Him. Sorry, but Christianity is not deism, no matter how much you want to make it that way!
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Summary: Tapping into the power of Prayer!!!
Review: This book is a wonderful look into how powerful prayer is when done for the glory of God and not for one's own selfish desires. He is an awesome God and He wants to give us blessings abundantly!! My prayer has been "The prayer of Jabez" and I am truly blessed because I give glory to GOD!!! May this book give you peace and understanding into how God truly answers prayers!!
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Summary: Danger, Will Robinson!
Review: I read Bruce Wilkinson's The Prayer of Jabez one afternoon and giant red flags kept going up. (In my mind's eye, I pictured the robot in the old Lost in Space TV show waving his arms and shouting, "Danger, Will Robinson!") Although the book appears at face value to be a call to biblical devotion and trust in God, I have a sinking feeling it's something else entirely. Its premise relies solely on one small, tiny prayer in the Old Testament, transforming it into a mantra that the author guarantees will bless the one who utters it daily. Oh, really? What happened to God's divine will and providence? Does God desire to bless every man, woman and child equally, regardless of their devotion to Him, or lack thereof? And what if Jabez's prayer was for HIM ONLY and not for everyone else to claim as his or her? (Along those lines, the author's theology is more closely related to that of "Name It and Claim It" charismatics -- or New Age charlatans -- than Sola Scriptura Reformed theologians.) If you truly want to know what biblical Christianity is (and isn't) read Francis Schaeffer's books (especially The Great Evangelical Disaster or True Spirituality). Or Dave Hunt's books (especially The Seduction of Christianity, a book written in the '80s that warns of theology such as Wilkinson's). I'm always wary when Christian books become a bestselling media machine. I mean, really, do we truly need The Prayer of Jabez Devotion for Teens? The Prayer of Jabez for Children? The Prayer of Jabez Prayer Journal? Where will it all end -- The Prayer of Jabez Paper Towels? The Prayer of Jabez Jammies? The Prayer of Jabez Thin Mints? I can see why The Prayer of Jabez is a bestseller. It appeals to people's self-centered desire to get what they want out of life. The rock group Queen recorded a song a few years back called "I Want it All." One of the lines was, "I want it all...and I want it now." Wilkinson transformed that sentiment into the spiritual solution du jour called The Prayer of Jabez. I want to be blessed as much as the next guy. But the blessings I receive from God are not and cannot be earned by anything I do. If they could, they wouldn't be blessings. I'd deserve them. I'd earn them. And if I ever get to the point in my life when I think I deserve anything from God, I'm in deep trouble. Blessings are bestowed or not bestowed upon me by God's grace alone. Besides, what are blessings? They don't have to be material. Or financial. I see them every day. I am blessed by the world we live in, the relationships I have, my creative talents, my opportunities, my very life. Most of the people in the Bible were poor or of meager means. Is Wilkinson trying to say that if only they had had a copy of his book, the Jewish people wouldn't have been taken into captivity? Or the disciples wouldn't have been martyred? Or Jesus wouldn't have had to die on the cross? Or David wouldn't have lusted after Bathsheba? The Sermon on the Mount tells us "Blessed are the poor in spirit." The New Testament tells us to be kind to those who are less fortunate, those who need food, water and clothing. Maybe most of the New Testament need not have been written in the first place if only God had foreseen Wilkinson's book telling us we could all be blessed if only we'd pay attention to an obscure prayer written thousands of years ago. Just think of the paper that would have saved! And consider all those poor unfortunates who don't have material blessings who wouldn't need our help at all if only they'd lift themselves up by the bootstraps and get praying the Jabez way! As I said at the outset, "Danger, Will Robinson!"
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Summary: Prayer of Jabez
Review: I may be a bit harsh in the way I express myself, but I have little patience these days for this kind of stuff. Too many teachers and those who would be taught are caught up in trying to find "that new angle" to the "successful" spiritual life. Well, as Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the sun (Son)," and as Paul said, "There is no other foundation other than that which has already been laid, which is Christ Jesus." As in the cases of Isaiah, Daniel, Paul, and John, we need a fresh revelation of the Person and Purposes of the Lord. These encounters invariably led to brokenness, humility, and holiness, and contrary to the focus of some who would suggest otherwise, though disguised under a vail of spiritual terminology. How easy it is for us "to be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." Pity the Early Church missing out on these "newly revealed" formula's, neatly spelled out in all of these "How To" books. They just might have been able to "turn the world upside down" in their day. 1) On a personal level, I came away feeling my soul had been tantalized, but my spirit left wanting 2) Amazed that a Bible teacher discipled from a Fundamental standpoint (Dallas Theological Seminary) could now rival his Charismatic counterparts as to the creative utilization of doctrine for means towards personal ends. Now then, would you prefer the formula from column A or column B? 3) That a man so distinguished in academic credentials, with advanced degrees in Theology and Education, could be so sloppy in formulating his case concerning the purpose of this prayer, as well as being so shallow in his interpretation and application. The more objective I tried to be in approaching the substance of this book, the more confused I became. Repeated attempts by the author to offer disclaimers within the book, as in so many words, "I'm not really teaching what those others (name it and claim it types) are teaching" had little credibility with me. You can repackage it any way you want, but as they say, "If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck!" 4) The focus is "self"-centered rather than "Christ"-centered. Yes, YOU too, can do great things for God. However, "It is GOD who is at work in us, both to will and to work for HIS good pleasure." And man's definition of success is not the equal of God's. Man's emphasis is centered upon what WE do. God's is abiding in HIS will, regardless of the visible outcome........"for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are unseen are eternal." Many of the saints recorded in the Bible (especially and including the last several verses of Heb. 11) would be considered spiritual and ministerial failures according to some of the most popular teachers and teachings of the Church today 5) The book contains virtually no mention of "the Cross" in word or spirit 6) The author reads a great deal into this little prayer that is difficult to substantiate in light of the weight of Scripture, although the attempt is made with questionable results. Or in other words, many of his attempts are at best, a Scriptural stretch 7) His premise is backwards in that he claims that the prayer itself made Jabez "an honorable man" and thereby moved God to bless him. I would argue that the prayer was the fruit of a man's already existing honorable walk with the Lord, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he," and, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." On the contrary, the Scriptures consistently teach that just saying the right words will justify no one before God 8) Furthermore, I see little difference between the prescribed application of this prayer and "Hail, Mary, full of grace...", and may be only slightly better than what Jesus referred to as the "vain repetition of the heathen" However, whatever mantra turns you on..... 9) Though without a doubt, there are Biblical principles and truths which apply to everyone in general, once again we have a personal experience which has been turned into a universal doctrine from which "all" can benefit if faithfully adhered to................Oh, and by the way, be sure to tell someone else so that others may benefit as well, and of course all those who wish to benefit must also purchase the book (ministerial pyramiding?) 10) A great personal concern that another "new movement" has been born, and is aggressively being propagated by a well-known and generally respected Bible teacher who also happens to be the Founder and President of a worldwide Bible teaching ministry. Respectfully submitted for your perusal or refusal.
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