Prayer of Jabez: asking God to bless and enlarge
A short scriptural prayer for God's blessing, presence, and protection
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
Hidden in a long list of names in the First Book of Chronicles is a single verse about a man called Jabez, who prayed boldly and was heard. The prayer of Jabez is a short scriptural prayer for God's blessing, presence, and protection; here is the verse, followed by a prayer that makes it your own.
Let us pray
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying: If blessing thou wilt bless me, and wilt enlarge my borders, and thy hand be with me, and thou save me from evil, that it may not afflict me. And God granted him the things he prayed for. (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Lord God of Israel and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You as Jabez did, with nothing to recommend me but the fact that You are good. Bless me indeed. Not with the blessings I would choose for myself, but with the ones You know I need: a heart that loves You, a conscience at peace, and daily bread for my family.
Enlarge my borders. Widen my capacity to love, to serve, to forgive. If You want to give me more work, more responsibility, more people to care for, give me also the grace to carry it well. If You want to keep my life small and hidden, let me be content there and faithful in it.
Let Your hand be with me. I do not want to accomplish anything, however impressive, apart from You. Guide my decisions today, steady me when I am afraid, and correct me when I wander.
Keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. Protect me from the sin I am most prone to, from the people who would lead me astray, and from the harm I cannot see coming. Guard those I love as well.
I ask all this through Jesus, in whom every blessing is given. Amen.
Blessing
May the God who heard Jabez hear you, bless you indeed, and keep His hand upon you and your household today.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jabez?
Jabez appears only in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, where he is described as more honorable than his brothers. His name is linked to the Hebrew word for pain, yet his prayer turned a hard beginning into blessing. Nothing else is known about him.
Is the prayer of Jabez a prayer for wealth?
No. Enlarging borders in Scripture means a greater share in God's work and gifts, not a guarantee of money. Catholics pray it as a bold request for God's blessing while leaving the form of that blessing to Him.
How often can I pray it?
Daily, if you like. Its four short requests, bless me, enlarge me, be with me, keep me from evil, make a good framework for morning prayer and can be expanded with your own words.
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