But pieces have been removed from the formula… As I wrote last week, the church is not doing well. Half-timers like my uncle are given little chance to make a difference. A survey taken among active Christians discovered that most of us never or rarely encourage someone to believe in God, seldom talk about our faith and rarely pray or read the Bible. If this is true then how can the church change?

There is a virtually unknown Bible character hidden in First Chronicles named Jabez, whose name means, “pain.” What a name! After giving birth, his mother names him “pain.” Yet, Jabez apparently overcame his “painful” background because he alone is singled out as being blessed by God. Why? Because Jabez said a prayer and God granted his request. Obviously, this is a very special prayer.

So, let’s examine this prayer more carefully:

1. Oh, that you would bless me indeed… sounds selfish at first but Bruce Wilkinson describes blessings as supernatural favors from God. Asking for a blessing is seeking the power of God to flow through you. You are requesting miracles so don’t be surprised when God provides. 

2. And enlarge my territory… challenges you to go beyond what is comfortable. Today as you begin your day ask God to look for someone or something new in your life. Take risks for God.

3. That your hand would be with me… Stepping beyond what is comfortable can be dangerous. You are in uncharted territory. Ask for God’s Hand to look after you.

4. And that you would keep me from evil… is simple recognition that you will be tempted in so many ways. Your success with this prayer can cause feelings of no longer needing God. There are more distractions and more temptations. A reminder that you always need God.

Here is the Prayer of Jabez challenge: Every day for thirty days, use this prayer as often as possible. Paste copies wherever you can easily see it. 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. Then simply be alert for what opportunities God sends your way. Will you take the challenge with me?

Now, I’m excited! I anticipate a “Mousetrap” church coming together. As you and your church begin to pray, God starts the miracle: The crank is turning and the shoe kicks the marble down the stairs then rolls down the chute that moves the hand that drops another marble through the thing-a-mi-jig into the tub that flips the diver into the pool that triggers the cage that traps the… well, that’s the exciting part!