Bless Me Indeed: How Jabez’s Prayer Transformed My Fatherhood
Apr 24, 2025
The Prayer of Jabez, found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, is a brief yet profound passage in the Bible that has captured the hearts of millions, including mine. This simple prayer, uttered by a man named Jabez, has become a cornerstone for those seeking to live a life of extraordinary faith and divine blessing. In his bestselling book, The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, Bruce Wilkinson unpacks the four components of this prayer, revealing how it can unlock God’s favor, power, and protection in our lives. For me, Ryan Fields-Spack, this prayer has been a game-changer, reshaping my perspective on prayer, faith, and my purpose as a husband, father, and leader. Below, I’ll dive into the concepts Wilkinson outlines in his book, weaving in my personal journey and how this prayer has transformed my life.
Who Was Jabez?
Before exploring the prayer itself, it’s essential to understand the man behind it. Jabez appears in a seemingly obscure passage in 1 Chronicles, nestled among genealogies. The Bible notes, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain’” (1 Chronicles 4:9, NIV). His name, literally meaning “pain” or “sorrow,” carried a heavy stigma. Imagine living with a name that constantly reminded you and others of suffering. Jabez could have been defined by this label, destined for a life of mediocrity or failure. Yet, he refused to let his circumstances dictate his destiny.
Instead, Jabez cried out to God with a bold, audacious prayer: “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!” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV). Remarkably, the Bible concludes, “And God granted his request.” This single sentence, tucked away in the Old Testament, has inspired countless believers, including me, to seek God’s abundant blessings and trust in His plan for an extraordinary life.
Bruce Wilkinson’s Four Concepts of the Prayer
In The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson breaks down the prayer into four distinct components, each carrying profound spiritual significance. He encourages readers to pray this prayer daily, believing it aligns with God’s desire to bless His children extravagantly. Let’s explore these concepts and how they’ve reshaped my life.
1. “Oh, That You Would Bless Me Indeed”
The first part of Jabez’s prayer is a direct request for God’s blessing. Wilkinson emphasizes that asking for God’s blessing is not selfish or greedy; it’s an act of faith that acknowledges God as the source of all good things. He writes, “When we seek God’s blessing as the ultimate value in life, we are throwing ourselves entirely into the river of His will and power and purpose for us”. This concept challenges the notion that we should only thank God for what we have and never ask for more.
For me, this was a revolutionary shift. As a 43-year-old husband and father of three, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, a great home, and a fulfilling life. Yet, I always felt guilty asking God for more. I thought prayer was about gratitude—thanking God for my wife, kids, and provisions. But deep down, I had big dreams: to be a better husband, an exceptional father, and a leader who impacts millions of dads through my YouTube channel. I wanted to financially support my daughter’s Christian preschool and my kids’ charter school, build a spacious home on expansive land, and serve at least one million fathers. These desires felt too ambitious, almost selfish, to bring before God.
Then, a friend, Andony Castro, introduced me to The Prayer of Jabez. He told me, “God wants you to do more. He wants you to have everything so that you can move forward in His name, in His honor, and grow the world for Him.” This perspective, echoed in Wilkinson’s book, freed me from guilt. Asking for God’s blessing—whether for my investments, my children’s health, or my channel’s growth—became an act of trust. I began praying, “Bless me indeed,” believing that God’s blessings would equip me to fulfill His purpose. Since incorporating this prayer, I’ve noticed a newfound confidence in my aspirations, knowing they align with God’s desire to bless me abundantly.
2. “Enlarge My Territory”
The second component of Jabez’s prayer is a request for God to expand his territory. Wilkinson interprets this as a plea for greater influence, opportunities, and impact. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and asking God to stretch your capacity to serve Him. This could mean physical territory, like acquiring land, or metaphorical territory, such as increased leadership, reach, or responsibility.
This concept resonates deeply with my goals as a father and content creator. I want to “enlarge my territory” by building a large, beautiful home on a plot of land where my family can thrive. I dream of owning horses, goats, and cows to create a self-sustaining environment for my kids. Beyond the physical, I’m asking God to expand my influence through my YouTube channel. I want to reach millions of fathers, sharing lessons I’ve learned from raising my nine-, six-, and three-year-old children. I want to bring voices of wisdom and supernatural experiences to my audience, helping dads like me rise up, make more, and build better families.
Wilkinson’s encouragement to pray for expanded territory has emboldened me to dream bigger. I used to shy away from these ambitions, thinking they were too lofty. But now, I pray daily for God to enlarge my reach, knowing that every new subscriber, every podcast guest, and every opportunity to serve is part of His plan to expand my territory. This prayer has given me the courage to step into uncomfortable spaces, trusting that God will provide the resources and opportunities to make these dreams a reality.
3. “Let Your Hand Be with Me”
The third part of Jabez’s prayer seeks God’s guidance and power. Wilkinson explains that as God blesses us and expands our territory, we enter uncharted waters where we need His divine assistance. Praying for God’s hand to be with us is a request for His wisdom, strength, and presence to navigate the challenges that come with greater responsibility.
This concept has been a lifeline for me. As I pursue my goals—whether growing my channel, supporting my kids’ schools, or managing investments—I often feel overwhelmed. I’m only a year into my faith journey, and the path ahead can seem daunting. Wilkinson’s insight that God’s hand equips us to “slay the giants” in our new territory has given me peace. I pray daily for God’s guidance, especially when faced with decisions about my family or business ventures. For example, I’m working on crypto investments with a partner, Trent Cleveland, and I ask God to guide our decisions so that these efforts bless my family abundantly.
Since incorporating this prayer, I’ve felt a sense of clarity and purpose. I trust that God’s hand is leading me, even when I don’t have all the answers. This assurance allows me to move forward with confidence, knowing that the Creator of the universe is directing my steps.
4. “Keep Me from Harm So That I Will Be Free from Pain”
The final component of Jabez’s prayer is a plea for protection from evil and harm. Wilkinson highlights that as God blesses us and expands our influence, we become targets for spiritual attacks. Temptation, distraction, and sin can derail our progress if we’re not vigilant. Praying for protection is about asking God to shield us from the enemy’s schemes and keep us aligned with His will.
This part of the prayer hits home for me. As I grow in my faith and pursue my ambitions, I’m aware of the temptations that come with success. Whether it’s pride, greed, or distractions that pull me away from my family, I know the devil will try to trip me up. Wilkinson’s teaching has taught me to proactively pray for protection, asking God to keep me from evil so I can stay focused on His purpose. I pray this not just for myself but for my wife and children, that our family remains a beacon of light in a world full of challenges.
This prayer has also given me a framework to recognize and resist temptation. When I feel drawn toward something that could lead me astray, I pause, pray, and refocus on my mission to serve God and my family. This practice has strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to living a life that honors God.
My Transformation Through the Prayer of Jabez
The Prayer of Jabez has been a catalyst for profound change in my life. As a new believer, I initially viewed prayer as a way to express gratitude, not to make bold requests. But Wilkinson’s book, introduced to me by Andony Castro, shattered that mindset. I now pray the Prayer of Jabez twice daily—morning and evening—locking its principles into my heart. This practice has shifted my perspective in several ways:
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Overcoming Guilt: I no longer feel guilty asking God for more. Whether it’s financial provision to support my kids’ schools or the influence to reach millions of dads, I know God delights in blessing His children. This has freed me to dream without limits.
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Embracing Boldness: Praying for enlarged territory has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’m taking risks, like producing YouTube content and collaborating on investments, because I believe God is expanding my impact.
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Trusting God’s Guidance: Asking for God’s hand to be with me has given me confidence in uncertain times. I feel equipped to face challenges, knowing He’s guiding my steps.
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Staying Vigilant: Praying for protection keeps me grounded. I’m more aware of potential pitfalls and committed to living a life that glorifies God.
The results are already evident. My YouTube channel is growing, my faith is deepening, and I’m more intentional about my role as a husband and father. I’m excited to see how God continues to answer this prayer, and I’m committed to sharing my journey with other dads through my platform.
A Call to Action for Dads
If you’re a father like me, striving to provide for your family and make a difference, I encourage you to embrace the Prayer of Jabez. Wilkinson’s book isn’t about a magic formula; it’s about aligning your heart with God’s desire to bless you extravagantly. Pray this prayer daily for 30 days, as Wilkinson suggests, and watch how God moves in your life. Keep a journal to record the blessings, opportunities, and challenges you encounter. Share your story with me in the comments on my YouTube channel—let’s build a community of dads who are rising up together.
For me, this prayer is more than words; it’s a lifeline to a life of purpose and impact. I’m on a mission to serve one million fathers, to support my kids’ schools, and to build a legacy for my family. I believe you have big dreams too. Let’s pray the Prayer of Jabez together, trusting God to bless us, enlarge our territory, guide us, and protect us. As Wilkinson says, “Take the little prayer with the giant prize and jump into the river!”.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s keep the conversation going and make this world better for our families, on purpose.
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