Have you ever prayed for a particular thing or in a particular way, only to stop and think that it is crazy? Been there and done that! Many times! As a pastor, I pray brave and bold prayers that are far beyond man’s ability.
The Bible contains many prayers. Some people may read those prayers and think that it was okay for Paul or some other servant of God to pray. What is wrong with us praying these same prayers if they are genuine. I’m not talking about going through a repetitious ritual. I am talking about truly praying these things from your heart to the Lord.
In 2001, I was introduced to the prayer of Jabez. Only two verses of Scripture mention this individual, but he prayed a powerful prayer. First Chronicles 4:10 reads, “Jabez called out to the God of Israel: ‘If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.’ And God granted his request.”
You may read this prayer and think, “What is so crazy about this prayer?” Jabez is asking God to expand his influence. This is a prayer of vision. The thing God asks in return is, “Can I trust you with more territory? Will you be faithful in the little things? If so, then I will expand your territory.”
Whatever stage you may find yourself, don’t lose hope. Don’t get up the vision God put within you. Let it be stirred and challenged. Dream big. Pray big. Then watch God honor that prayer as you obey the steps He lays out for you. Now it’s time to do some more crazy praying!
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
Amen! We must be bold with our prayers, because this is pleasing to the Lord.
I love this. (American) Christians are complacent, but time and time again, believers in the New Testament specifically pray for boldness. Reminds me of an idea that C.S. Lewis once alluded to–that many Christians pray half-heartedly because, due to fear or feeling unworthy or whatever it is, many don’t *really* want to open the line of communication with God.
Very interesting thought from C. S. Lewis.
I enjoy Mark Baterson book the “Circle Maker”. I also enjoy the Prayer of Jabez. Start praying that prayer boldly and you are right Master Matthew, God is faithful to hear and move in expanding our territory. Keep circling the bold request in prayer as Mr. Baterson illustrates and watch God move! I also enjoy reading your post and hearing your teaching.
Pastor Matthew 😊
Amen! If everyone truly recognized how limitless God is, we wouldn’t dare pray limiting prayers.
Love this! I have prayed crazy and impossible prayers. Some that I had forgotten. Years later God answered and reminded me of my prayer many years ago. I actually have a impossible prayer list. In my celebrate recovery group about a year and a half ago. I wrote down 3 of my deepest and my heart felt prayers. But never imagined I would see any come into fruition. To my surprise, I have seen two of them answered. It literally happened suddenly just like God likes to do. One of them I say to the Lord sometimes, “Lord, punch me. I must be dreaming.” I am really just taken back at the Lord’s goodness and kindness he has lavished on my and my loved ones.
I keep a similar list. I wait about 6 months to a year before I go back and read it. I stand in awe of what God does because I often forget what I wrote.
Indeed, God never ceases to amaze. I love how he just enjoys it too!! You know he is sitting back with a big ole smile on his face ear to ear. Lol!
*pinch me not punch. Lol!! 👊😜