Buried in a long list of genealogies is one man named Jabez ('Pain'). He refused to live up to his name and prayed a massive prayer for blessing and protection.

His mother named him 'Pain'. He could have accepted that identity. He fought it in prayer. Torah connection: Numbers 6:24-26 (Priestly Blessing). The Pharisaic distortion: Praying for blessing to consume it on lusts.

Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” God granted him that which he requested.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour