Again, on this topic I am no expert; however, based upon my 'gut' feelings and what I have ascertained -"The Prayer of Jabez" 'stuff'/philosophy/practice is to be avoided and will lead one astray... I have not seen much of this "The Prayer of Jabez" 'stuff' discussed and or practiced by many Catholics but the few I have does concern me -in my opinion, this stuff is detrimental to one's soul and to the Church...

What say any experts? Has this topic been discussed here before?

I am just looking for opinions and information regarding this topic -- any information insight regarding Church position(s) on this etc...

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), May 13, 2003

Answers

I'm no expert, except only in eating and sleeping.

The Prayer of Jabez in the commercial sense seems to be about praying for one's own desires or will, not about God's will.

My opinion is that we should use words like "If it is Your will..." instead of "May You make my lands greater...".

Tapping into the power of God doesn't sound like something we should be doing. Giving thanks and asking for His forgiveness is right.

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), May 13, 2003.

Rod, We as Catholic Christians don't 'tap into the power of God' as you say. The power of God is lavished on us by the Holy Spirit through the sacraments.God grieves that more Catholics aren't walking in His power. Without the power of God we are strictly impotent. "Without Me you can do nothing" {nothing spiritually,that is} Jesus tells us. That's why the Father sent the Holy Spirit at the first Pentecost; we are reading these accounts from the book of Acts at the liturgy now.

We are commanded to love one another and preach the good news, there is no way we can do that effectively without His power. God is searching for Christians eager to take their place in the Body, eager to help bring His Kingdom forth, the attitude of Jabez prayer is simply saying "Lord, here I am, I'm yours, enlarge my love capacity, enlarge my heart,enlarge my boundaries to serve you and live the abundant life You've won for me".

Jesus died, shed His Blood and rose again and sends us forth in the Holy Spirit so we can live victorious lives, marching forward everyday in His army, taking ground from the enemy, ground that he has stolen, souls he's stolen, minds he's stolen, proclaiming truth to dispel the lies we've fallen for. This is a great time of spiritual victory. When we are daily cooperating with the action of the Holy Spirit it's a given that we ask for these blessings, and expect them. They are not for our gain, but only for the gaining and advancement of God's Kingdom.

We pray everyday in the prayer Jesus taught us.. "thy kingdom come, Thy will be done"... this enlarging of the territory is the multiplying of Jesus' Lordship in our lives. Theresa

-- Theresa Huether (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), May 14, 2003.

Yo Theresa, did I ever mention I love reading your posts? Good stuff.

Dave

-- (dlbowerman@yahoo.com), May 14, 2003.

Theresa- You're preaching to the wrong guy. I saw a website that uses the Prayer of Jabez as being used for "commercial" gain. Answer to Daniel I think he has seen or heard of this "commercialism", too. When I get the chance I'll post the URL.

I have no problem with the original intent of the Prayer of Jabez, but I do question the money making schemes of some blasphemers.

Theresa, you are aiming at the wrong person.

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), May 14, 2003.

I'm probably breaking this forum's rules, so delete it if I am.

http://www.crossroa d.to/articles2/Jabez.htm . .

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), May 14, 2003.

geesh Rod, take a chill pill. The PEACE of Jesus be with you!!!

Hi Dave!

-- Theresa Huether (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), May 15, 2003.

Hi Theresa.

I took two. I feel much better.

.

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.come), May 15, 2003.

I feel much better too.

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), May 16, 2003.

Praying for Dollars?

Is that filmed before a live sutdio audience, or do they use a laugh track?

-- jake (jake1REMOVE@pngusa.net), October 06, 2003.