Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 4:9–10 (New Living Translation)

9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

Tucked in endless lists of genealogies is a a short description of a man named Jabez. His mother bore him in great pain.

Jabez prayed, and one of his prayers seems to have been famous among the people of God. Part of his famous prayer was:

Please be with me in all that I do

Let us each pray this each day. Please God, have me remember to pray this every day. Each step of each day. Each decision, each turn, each press of a finger on a keyboard, each stroke of a pen on paper, each breathe. Please God, be with me in all that I do.