Inspired by Rabbi Gary's entry "Yoma 80 | My Jewish Learning" last Wednesday,
I would like to take up the "Prayer of Jabez" which I have known for a long time.
As one of the two shortest prayers in the Bible, it is found in:
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 KJV
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez,
saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying,
“Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed,
and enlarge my coast,
and that thine hand might be with me,
and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!“
And God granted him that which he requested.
For me, the four core statements of this Bible passage represent a beautiful "prayer
framework" that can be "filled up" very well with personal concerns.
I use the following wording for this:
"Bless me. => .......... ( Personal concerns )
Expand my territory. => ..........
Stand by me => ..........
and keep me from mischief and pain" => ..........
So I let this little prayer become effective in the quiet contemplation, but also during
my evening walks.
It is also worth researching the Internet for further suggestions on this subject.
Do you know the 2nd shortest prayer of the Bible ?
Connected in our faith and prayer,
I greet you warmly and wish you all
a blessed weekend. See you soon.
Peter