Today, we are diving into a powerful and relevant topic for teenagers: the Prayer of Jabez. In our journey of faith, it’s crucial to understand the importance of seeking God’s blessings and guidance. As teenagers, you face various challenges and decisions that can shape your future. The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that we can depend on God’s wisdom, favor, and direction in all aspects of our lives. Let’s explore this prayer together and discover how it can impact our relationship with God.
Bible Reading 1: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
“And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Jabez was a man who faced adversity from birth, but he chose to seek God’s intervention.
- His prayer highlights four significant requests:
- Blessing: Jabez desired God’s favor and abundance in his life.
- Enlarging borders: He sought God’s guidance in expanding his influence and impact.
- God’s hand: Jabez desired the presence and power of God in his endeavors.
- Protection: He requested God’s safeguarding from harm and pain.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jabez’s mother named him “Jabez” (meaning “pain”)? How do you think that affected his life?
- Why do you think Jabez chose to call upon the God of Israel for help?
- How do you relate to Jabez’s requests for blessing, guidance, God’s presence, and protection?
- What challenges or decisions in your life do you need God’s blessings and guidance for?
- How can the Prayer of Jabez impact our daily walk with God?
Bible Reading 2: Matthew 6:5-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray through the Lord’s Prayer.
- This prayer model emphasizes acknowledging God’s holiness, aligning with His will, seeking provision, forgiveness, and guidance.
- Just like the Prayer of Jabez, the Lord’s Prayer emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and blessings.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer relate to the Prayer of Jabez?
- What can we learn about seeking God’s guidance and blessings from the way Jesus instructs His disciples to pray?
- How does the acknowledgment of God’s holiness impact our prayers for guidance?
- What does it mean to align our will with God’s will, and how does it affect seeking His guidance?
- How does forgiveness and deliverance relate to seeking God’s blessings and guidance?
Youth Group Game:
“Guided Scavenger Hunt”
Divide the group into teams and provide each team with a list of clues and items to find. Each clue should lead them closer to the next item. The final item could be a prize or a verse related to seeking God’s guidance. This game emphasizes the importance of following guidance and seeking the right path.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the example of Jabez and the lessons we can learn from his prayer. We seek Your blessings and guidance in our lives, knowing that You are the source of all wisdom, favor, and direction. Help us to align our will with Yours and trust in Your provision and protection. Guide us through challenges and decisions, and may Your name be glorified in all we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Remember, seeking God’s blessings and guidance is a lifelong journey. As you continue to grow in faith, let the Prayer of Jabez remind you of the power and privilege we have to approach God and seek His involvement in every aspect of our lives. Keep seeking Him, trusting Him, and following His lead. God bless you all!