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Summary: miracles waiting to happen
Review: This little book centered on four lines from the bible is a true treasure, I am elated that Bruce Wilkinson was inspired to write it so we ALL have the key to the power contained in this seemingly simple prayer. Its going to amaze even the Christians that read the bible daily! I am getting copies for my loved ones to read so they can share the message with others, the word is spreading like wildfire about this book and its message, I don't think you will have any trouble following its trail, just watch for the shower of blessings it will leave in its wake!!!
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Summary: LIFE IMPACTING
Review: Amongst the myriad of books available today it is not too often that you find such a jewel as this book. The author has a real revelation of how this short but remarkable prayer of Jabez can impact our lives today in a truly profound way. He examines each element of Jabez's prayer drawing from his own life's experiences and scripture that assists the reader in understanding the significance of the prayer and how it will impact the readers own prayer life and future. I really enjoyed the book as it challenged me in the way I pray as well as the need to reach out for greater things in God. This book is a must for anyone who is seeking to fulfil their destiny in God and is willing to truly place their lives into his hands to experience the exhilaration that can only come from being completely reliant on God.
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Summary: The heart...
Review: The reader should be cautioned that God looks on the heart. Words may sound profound and obviously, there was something in Jabez's life that pleased God, resulting in the answering of his prayer. I don't think that just uttering these words will bring the same result for anyone, but it can be a good starting point for meditation and further study into one's relationship with his Lord.
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Summary: Certainly a Blessing!
Review: I'm a Catholic Christian with a very ecumenical and evangelical heart and spirit. My nature is very drawn to classical spirituality and contemplative prayer. I am also very attuned with the spiritual deceptions that our Adversary tries to place on us Christians (I can say this because earlier in life I was a practicing Satanist). I thank our Triune God for having blessed me with having a good Christian female co-worker give me this book to read, especially at a time when I was in despair and doubt. I have been further blessed by the content in this book and believe Dr. Bruce Wilkinson's intention in writing this book are pure and glorifies our Triune God. I ordered 12 copies of this book, gift wrapped them and gave them to members of the Small Christian Community I belong to. I hope my Catholic Christian brothers and sisters are further blessed and inspired with the message of this book as well as they prayerfully take it in. I hope those who read this book are further blessed and inspired as well. In Christ - AMEN!
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Summary: Rewarding Perspectives of Faith and Prayer
Review: As much as the Bible teaches me, I find that I learn even more by hearing about the interpretations that others make of the Bible. Those interpretations are most beneficial when they include witnessing one's own experiences. Bruce Wilkinson has provided us with many soulful insights from 30 years of reciting a little-noticed prayer in this inspiring book.One reason that it is nice to hear what others say about the Bible is that some of them read Hebrew, which I do not. Knowing what the original text said should provide more clues to its precise meaning. Mr. Wilkinson has provided many insights from the Hebrew texts to help us understand what the translations mean. The Prayer of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 following a brief introduction of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9. This text is in the middle of a long list of about 500 Hebrew names beginning with Adam in providing a geneology. The casual Bible reader might never notice this material. Since there is so little text, the plain meaning of what is found here can certainly be confusing. "Jabez" means "pain" in Hebrew. Jabez was named this by his mother "Because I bore him in pain." Since almost all babies bring pain, it is hard to know exactly what was different about Jabez, if anything. Jabez is remembered for having his prayer answered. The prayer was: "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!" Mr. Wilkinson provides several perspectives on this prayer that added much to my understanding of the Scripture. First, Mr. Wilkinson interprets this as meaning that the person praying is asking to play a bigger role in achieving God's purposes. That was a new thought for me. I tend to feel that each of us is kept pretty busy trying to do God's will in whatever roles we already have. How can we do more? Obviously, only with God's help. By taking on even larger roles, we probably move closer to a state of humility by knowing that we cannot possibly succeed without Divine guidance and assistance. So what seems like a prideful thing actually turns out to be the opposite. What is your reaction to that? Second, I was startled a few years ago to hear a group of rabbis and ministers talk about how the traditional concept of the moral life was to never be tempted. I feel tempted all of the time, and overcome temptations only after sincere struggles. Mr. Wilkinson points out that the best way to avoid evil is not to be tempted in the first place. "Without temptation, we will not sin." So this text encouraged me to ask even more for being kept away from evil. Naturally, the Lord's Prayer does that, but this important point had been partially lost on me until I read this book. Beyond those Biblical insights, I also learned from Mr. Wilkinson's experiences. He takes on big tasks, uses the Jabez prayer, and keeps track of how things work out. I, too, believe in the power of prayer. It had never occurred to me to keep a journal about my experiences with prayer. I am sure that there is much to be learned. My own interpretation of the book and the prayer is that it is just another example of God's listening to and answering our prayers. So I felt encouraged to pray, rather than to use only this specific prayer. I did find myself revising some prayers that I am fond of to incorporate elements of the Jabez prayer. Mr. Wilkinson also sets a good example that I intend to follow. He walks up to strangers and says, "How can I help you?" Now, I do that with people who call me on the telephone and people I work with. It had never occurred to me to do so with strangers, but it is probably more helpful with strangers. I look forward to the experiences I will have as a result. If you are like me, it will be hard to tell where Biblical interpretation ends and witnessing begins in this book. I'm not sure it's all that important to draw a line between them. The key thing is to feel closer to God and God's wisdom and love. I certainly did after reading The Prayer of Jabez. I pray that you will too! What else can you pray for that may serve God's purposes in more ways that you have not considered before?
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Summary: Blessed Insight or Dangerous Doctrine?
Review: Although Dr. Wilkinson's book has some value, the doctrinal errors and several misconceptions about God and prayer keep me from reccomending this book.
The first statement Wilkinson writes (in the preface) is a doctrinal error in of itself. Saying that God will always answer (positively) a prayer other than something central to His will all the time (e.g. Your will be done, All Glory be to God) is a Biblical error. Job states this well: "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away" Other flaws include the inaccurate assumption that God is required to answer a prayer for everyone just because he answered it once. This is also incorrect. ALso, the book implies that God is sitting around waiting for people to pray this prayer, the "key" to the great Christian life. Bogus! The Prayer of Jabez sets itself squarely against Jesus, however, when it states that this is how God is wanting us to pray. Jesus said the opposite, than in prayer our focus should be on God and His kingdom, will, and glory. Jabez is focused on our kingdom ("expand my territory"), our will ("bless me"), and our glory ("your hand would be with ME"). Sorry, but I cannot reccomend this book. It borders on health and wealth and Faith Movement doctrine and should not be taught as Scriptural.
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Summary: God Answers an Honest Prayer!
Review: "Read this little book, The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce H. Wilkerson! " the pastor exclaimed to our congregation at the end of his sermon one Sunday morning. "You will be amazed at what will happen if you pray this very simple prayer!" After reading The Prayer of Jabez , I know how my pastor felt, for I have wanted to reach out to those I love and to anyone who will listen to share this same news! In one tiny book, the author excitedly shares God's answers to a prayer that is prayed in humble and simple faith, believing that God is there and that God will answer. He tells readers that the key of the prayer is to "ask" God. The beauty of this little book is in its simplicity. It is based on one very simple prayer, prayed by one man among many in a long geneology of names, who believed in God. The Bible simply says, "God answered his prayer". Dr. Wilkinson substantiates Jabez's example of a man God approved of, by praying the same prayer for thirty years, believing as Jabez did, that God would answer his own prayer. He enthusiatically shares what God did through him and others in answer to his prayer. As I read this marvelous testimony of God's answer from two men in the space of time and history, now and hundreds of years before, I sensed something familiar. Reviewing some worn out Bibles I had used in the past, I realized that twenty-three years ago, I had come across this little verse while going through a study of the Old Testament and underlined it and honestly prayed the prayer that Jabez prayed. Today, after reading this little book, I realize, that like Jabez and Bruce Wilkerson, and others, God has answered my prayer also. God has blessed me beyond all measure and He has enlarged my territory in the work that I do that I might bring honor to Him. This little book is for those who honestly want to draw closer to God and receive an answer from Him. The only thing they need to do is be honorable about it and "ask". What simple news to share for such an amazing and beneficial response. I heartily recommend The Prayer of Jabez by BruceWilkerson, to anyone who wants to know God or who already knows Him and wants to follow Him.
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Summary: The Prayer of Jabez
Review: The book is a book of mixed messages. In one message the author tries to draw a person "to let go and let God though prayer"; but, then the author offers a game plan -- "If you say this, God will do that". This game turns God into a vending machine.
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Summary: Book Misquotes Bible.
Review: The prayer quoted in the book is from the NIV and reads, "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, '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!" Another version of the NIV reads, "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." The prayer in the King James Bible reads, "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!" The prayer in the NIV ends with a request to either be "free from pain" or to "not cause pain!" The King James is concerned about being grieved by evil. Also, the NIV seems to have a problem deciding between "harm" and "evil." The point is that if the bible translation is so inconsistent why trust a book based on it's sloppy work? If anything, the book does serve to show that the King James Bible is far superior to modern attempts to update the word of God.
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Summary: Inspiring
Review: After reading this book, I was inspired to buy several more copies to hand out. I'm sure that who ever purchases this book will be inspired too.
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