Conclusion of A "Hearer of Prayer"

First, Jabez implored God, saying:  "Enlarge my territory." (Verse 10) This honorable man was no land-grabber, coveting what belonged to his fellow man.  His earnest request may have had more to do with  people than land. He may have been asking for the peaceful enlargement of his territory so that it could hold more worshippers of the true God .

Second, Jabez pleaded for God's  "hand" to be with him. God's symbolic hand is his applied power, which he uses to help his worshippers.  (1 Chronicles 29:12) To receive the requests of his heart, Jabez looked to the God whose hand is not short toward  those who show faith in him. -Isaiah 59:1. 

Third, Jabez prayed:  "Preserve me from calamity, that it may not hurt me."  The expression "that it may not hurt me" may suggest that Jabez praye4d , not to escape calamity, but to kept from being grieved or overcome by the effects of evil.

Jabez' prayer revealed his concern for true worship and his faith and trust in the Hearer of prayer. How did Jehovah respond?  This brief account concludes with the words:   "Accordingly God brought to pass what he had asked."

The Hearer of prayer has not changed. He delights in the prayers of worshippers. Those who place their faith  and trust in him may have this confidence.  "No matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us." -1 John  5:14.

Next time:TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - A Kingdom That Will Change the Whole Earth

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010