08 MAY

SECRETS OF ANSWERED PRAYERS (7)  
(BE SPECIFIC AND FERVENT)

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “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!” So God granted him what he requested.”

(1 Chronicles 4:10)

When we are specific in our prayers, we expect specific answers and know when we receive the answers.  It is difficult to track answers of general prayer requests.

Just like Jabez, Nehemiah prayed with purpose: “Please grant me success today by making the king favourable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” (Nehemiah 1:11). Grant me what? – Success! When? – Today! How? – Make the king favour me and be kind to me!

Just like Jabez, God granted Nehemiah what he requested for. Many of us have prayed the prayer of Jabez but may not point out the answers because we were not specific. Both prayed for and got success and blessing. I love this definition of success: “Fulfilling God’s purpose for my life in faith, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and expecting the results from God.”  The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much (James 5:16b).

ACTION: Be bold, fervent and specific in your prayers as you expect answers and success in your life. There may be detours and lessons but failure in your endeavours is not an option.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord to be specific and purpose-driven in my prayers.