Prayers That Activate Blessings

Chapter 1 Blessing By Asking

ASKING FOR WHAT we need or want from God is a foundational principle of our relationship with Him as king and ruler over all. He has made Himself available to hear our request. Matthew 7:7-11 (KJV) makes that clear: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? God's covenant leaders understood this aspect of mankind's relationship to God, and they took advantage of it when they came into His presence. The story of Jabez is only two verses (1 Chron. 4:9-10), but it is a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of fervent prayer. The Bible says that Jabez was an honorable man, more honorable than his brothers. Being honorable and having a pure heart before God always play a part in how God answers our prayers. You will see this theme throughout this book. It's not about being perfect, but it is about being holy, as we will uncover later. JABEZ—OH, THAT THOU WOULDEST BLESS ME