Biblical prayers are a model for us, an example to follow.
1 Chronicles 4:9 (NIV)Jabez was more honorable than his
brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him
in pain."
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV) Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "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." And God granted his request.
- Jabez was known for ... his prayer.
“Oh that you would bless me!”
God knows whatwe need, but Godhas decided thatwe have to ask ... for our benefit.
Give us this day our daily bread ...
Enlarge my territory... thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earthas it is
in heaven
Prayers for - Crisis- Love One Another - Neighbor
Let your hand be with me ...
and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.
Lord, keep me out of the arena“and keep me
from harm so that I will be free from pain”
What's your idea of excitement? This?
Or this?
and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.
= a calm, productive
life.
Lead us not into temptation
(the place of testing)
but deliver us from evil...
Galveston Beach 1991
God does protect us
God protects us, often through others.
But more often, God prefers to provide us with the means to protect ourselves...
Wisdom protects us ... if we use our heads.
Pain can be instructive: wisdom is often learning from our mistakes.
Hebrews 12:5-11
The lesson repeats until we get it.
Lord, protect me from my overconfidence.
Mud is nature's way of saying 'DON'T GO THERE!'
Lord, protect me from poor decisions.
Give me the wisdom I need to stay out of trouble.
Lord, keep me out of the arena of testing ... the place of temptation.
Lord, thank you for others that help protect me from harm.
Lord, be a fence
between me and where I should not go.
It is a risky thing to pray “thy will be done... “ and submit ourselves to all the good that God's will might allow.
Do not fear! Open yourself to God’s
blessing - world - purpose - protection
One Minute for God
