Originating from one short verse in 1 Chronicles concerning the prayer of a man named Jabez, thousands of articles have been written, hundreds of books published and countless sermons preached. However, little is known about Jabez, where he came from and what happened to him. Still, his words are challenging and his prayer stimulating. However,the concept of dynamic and moving prayer however didn't originate with him, nor will we find in his request the most moving example of God's movement in regard to man's prayer.

In the first part of the book of Acts, we find the account of the first church, the coming of the Holy Spirit in power and God working through the prayer and faith of those who would be eventually called Christians. If you want to see how prayer works start at chapter one and read the whole book. One of the most practical account of prayer is in the first chapter.

Verse 1:14 tells us the people were in one place praying together constantly. That sets the tone for the rest of the account. Then the move to do God's business and determine that there needs to be a man chosen to replace Judas in his place of leadership. But who would it be and how would the people know it was God's election and not their own?

One can only wonder what the disciples expected God to do to reveal his choice of a replacement for Judas. Verse 24 says they wanted God to show them which of two men he wanted to serve in a leadership role. They prayed and asked, then drew lots and believed God's choice was in Matthais, the one to whom the random lots fell.

I'm afraid throughout the ages, many have drawn the wrong conclusion from this example of how to "prove" God's will. Many today conclude that by playing a game of chance, such as the lottery or even gambling, questionable activities can be justified when the proceeds benefit the church. Wrong. The source of a gift is actually more important than the amount of the gift. It's not just important to give money to the church, its more important your money came as a result of honesty and virtuous activity. (Re: Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 3.

Others have taken the concept of drawing lots, rolling dice or playing cards to a spiritual level. They believe God will reveal himself through the way the game is played out, not much different from a witch playing Tarot cards.

The very last words Jesus said before ascending to heaven was, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Since the Fire of Pentecost had not yet fallen from heaven on the heads of believers, you might conclude the people had no power or authority to chose God's man without resorting to a game of chance. But that was not the case. The disciples already had the ability to know God's choice by properly applying Scripture to the selection process. Don't we share their dilemma when it comes to knowing God's will. After all, how can we know God's definitive answer to a request when we fail to use God's word as the light by which we rule out those things that are not!

In short, if you learn nothing else today, know this: Knowing God's will can be as simple as ruling out things that violate Scriptural principles. In the end, when you eliminate all but one thing, you've properly executed godly discernment, not resorted to worldly games and are probably left with a godly plan. Then, be like the disciples and ask God to prove it.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (1Chr 4; Acts 1)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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