The Prayer Of Jabez (Bruce Wilkinson, 248.32 WIL)

Reviewed By Raymond Yeo (26 Apr 08)

This is one of the rare Christian books which topped the New York Times Bestseller list, selling more than 9 million copies.

The author, who is the founder of Walk Thru The Bible Ministries, based this little book (93 pages, half-sized) almost entirely on the following 2 verses:
"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NIV)

In the words of Wilkinson, "I want to teach you how to pray a daring prayer that God always answers. It is brief - only one sentence with four parts - and tucked away in the Bible, but I believe it contains the key to a life of extraordinary favor with God."

I would recommend readers to read this book with an open mind and with discernment. There are some who have compared Jabez to the "prosperity gospel" accusing the author of taking the verses out of context. Others claimed that Wilkinson managed to bring out a gem which was hidden among the 'boring' verses listing the genealogy of the tribes of Israel.

Why not read this book and see what you think about it ?

Librarian: more info on the book on Amazon.com