The Prayer of Kings (1)

26 December 2010

1. Introduction

2 Cor. 4:16-18

“We do not look at things which are seen but at things which are not seen…”

• Many people in 2010 experienced pressure, pain, challenges, and unexpected difficulties.
• Each of us chooses how we respond – this prepares us for the next season.
• Pressure and pain can lead to great personal enlargement.
• Those things are “working for us” – to fashion, shape, and make one prepared.
• What do you focus upon?  Pain or Possibilities?

2. Prayer of Kings

1 Chron. 4:9-10

“Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory …..”

(a)  Jabez Prayer

· Jabez = 3258 = Sorrow, Grief – named because of the sorrows around his birth.

· Honourable = 3513 = Kabad, glory, to be weighty, substantial.

· Jabez stood out from circumstances and people because of heart attitude.

· Lord enlarge my territory; Lord expand my influence and dominion.

· The prayer of a King – cry for God’s favour in abundance!

· Enlarge = 7235 = to multiply (Gen 1:22) to increase in abundance.

· Kings long to expand their territory and influence – extend their Kingdom.

(b) Your Territory = your Life and Influence

· Your territory is invisible (your heart and inner life) and visible (your influence).

· Your territory includes {It belongs to you; your authority is recognisable; you have freedom to operate.

· Invisible -   Heart                           Visible -           Skills

Attitudes                                              Family

Emotions                                             Relationships

Hesitant                                               Finance

                                                            Service

· Eph 3:20 “He is able to do more exceedingly abundantly than we ask or think”

· What areas of your life will you determine to possess and enlarge territory?

(c)  Simple Keys

i)          Pray consistently for enlarging territory – Mk 11:24

ii)         Clarify the areas of your life you desire to enlarge

iii)         What must you do to make these changes?

iv)        Set new priorities – develop new skills

v)         Accept new opportunities to serve e.g. Caleb – Josh 14:12

vi)        Fall your giants – “Bread for us” Num. 14:9 Caleb

vii)       Recognise and respond to Holy Spirit promptings

e.g. Moses – Exd. 3:3 “I will turn aside and see …”

e.g. Philip - Acts 8:29 “Then the Spirit said to Philip .. so Philip ran ..”