TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY

by Bill Hybels
“ Slowing Down to Be with God “
IVP Books 1988-2008 Christian Life / Prayer
“A Classic on prayer for over twenty years”
.
The Bible being the greatest book ever written; so why all of these
other books filled with scripture, why ? Certainly not for substitu-
tion of the bible, but they do provide clarifications, explanations,
and additional information. A good Christian book supported by
biblical scripture can move you closer to God. This Book, has
many treasures, that will move you closer to God. I am sharing
some of those treasures, that I have found valuable to me.
.
Pastor Bill says, “I still practice maintaining consistent time and
place to pray, organize my prayers as “ ACTS “, and listen for the
Spirits promptings for God's direction and wisdom. Now “ACTS” is
an “acrostic” whose four letters stand for; Adoration, Confession,
Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
.
By praising and worshipping we demonstrate respect to our
heavenly Father. Professing forgiveness of others and confessing
repentance for our errors. Expressing appreciation and gratitude
for those blessings we already received. Supplication, let God
have control of circumstances as He is the only real God. Having
an organized balanced prayer is another step closer to God.
.
Pastor Bill, also keeps a prayer journal and he frequently reviews
past prayers And how they were answered. Writing your prayers
specifically (you can leave out unnecessary detail and redundancy
as He knows your circumstance) The journaling will focus your
mind on God and allow you to examine your life. This will keep
you from inadvertently repeating the same errors. Using “ACTS”
as a pattern will keep your prayers in balance.
.
All I have written so far, Pastor Bill covered just in his “ intro ” to
this book. He also said he believes God has a role for each of us
to play. The needs around us, get off the bench and into the game.
I started my journal following Pastor Bills suggestions.
-Give God the best part of your day (mine is 6 to 7 am)
-Have a meeting place with God away from distractions(my porch)
-Pray earnestly from the heart with a balance prayer. (ACTS)
-Write a page, begin with yesterday to examine your life and pray.
.
Pastor Bill Hybels says,” When you get serious about prayer, then
it is time to make the Decision; “I will learn what disciplines are
necessary to fuel my prayer life, and I will practice these regularly
without fail.” I encourage you to benefit from the treasures to be
found in this classic book on prayer. brother george

Beyond Jabez

by Bruce Wilkinson
" Expanding Your Borders "
Christian Prayer; Pub. 2005, Multnomah

This author’s skillful writing craftsmanship weaves
Into “ Beyond Jabez ” his successful writings such
as “ The Prayer of Jabez ” and “ The Dream Giver ”.

Wilkinson provides the readers with many examples
throughout this book, of how God answered those
“ People who Prayed ” including the writer himself.

He explains and clarifies misconceptions surrounding
beliefs about God’s Blessings, Boundaries, Powers,
and Protection. Also described and explained by this
author are insights for types of Blessings, Territories,
Miracles, and Protection that God offers.

Wilkinson describes the temptations confronting all of us
and suggests the best way to keep from sinning is to avoid
temptations. Exercise self control over every thought that
you permit your mind to think. God warns us about the
consequences of sin so that we will seek God’s protection
through prayer.

God, ”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,
That I may not cause pain !”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

This book suggests that we can learn to recognize a
“ Jabez Moment ” just by being constantly alert for
opportunities, through which we can touch a life or
do something for God’s purpose. God’s desire is that
He wants to release His power through us. God wants
you to enjoy His blessings and for you to share those
blessings with other people.

“Every day, pray for and give thanks for God’s protection
and many blessings.”

The Prayer of Jabez

by Bruce Wilkinson
Christian Living-Prayer ; ISBN-1-57673-733-0

The cry of " Jabez " " The Bibles Little Big Man "
"So, God granted Jabez what he requested."
“Why did God answer the prayer from Jabez ?
My impression of Jabez, he was an obedient child of God,
as obedience brings blessings. " More than that, blessed are
those who hear the word of God and keep it !"( Luke 11:28)
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. (1 Chron. 4:9)

His mother called his name " Jabez " saying, " Because I bore
him in pain. " Jabez was born into the tribe of Judah and lived
in southern Israel during the time of Judges. In biblical times a
name was often taken as prophecy about that individuals future.
A literal translation of the word " Jabez " could be he has/will
cause pain.

Jabez believed in his God of miracles and he asked for a miracle.
The biblical meaning of " Bless " is the asking of a supernatural
favor that can only come from God. Let us clearly understand,
when we ask for God's blessing we are asking for something, that
can only come from our Lord. Jabez's request for a blessing asked
for nothing more or nothing less than what God had wanted for Jabez.

How did a giant of faith begin his prayer ?

God, ” 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,
That I may not cause pain ! ”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

You can change what happens in your future through the believing of
daily prayers just like the prayer of Jabez. " Ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
( Matt. 7:7 )

We have to present God with our requests. Jabez's simple prayer,
that produces results ! Those that commit to offering prayer on a
daily basis will find themselves blessed by God.