A MODEL PRAYER FOR COUPLES
IF COUPLES SHOULD PRAY for one thing consistently, it is that God will use them to accomplish His purposes. That is the theme of a biblical prayer by an obscure man named Jabez, whom the Bible describes as “more honorable than his brothers” (1Chron.4:9).
Jabez prayed, “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!” And note what happened, “So God granted him what he requested” (1Chron.4:10)
Jabez asked God to do several things, and every one is something that all married couples can and should ask for. First, he asked that God bless him and “enlarge his territory”–meaning, give him new turf and enlarge his sphere of influence so that he could more widely influence others for God.
He also asked God to keep him from evil so that he wouldn’t cause pain to others through his own sin–in other words, that God would keep him from temptation.
The prayer of Jabez should not be a mantra recited in hopes that saying these particular words will unlock some spiritual blessing. This prayer reflects the righteous desires of a godly man. Do you desire that God would provide you with greater influence for His kingdom and would keep you from sin? Then make the prayer of Jabez a model for how you pray together as a couple today.
NOTE: This article was taken from the book Family Life and Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.
NOTE: Daily there is a new post to make your marriage successful.
LOVE YOUR SPOUSE 
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