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I don't know why you addressed that "Walking the Labyrinth" stuff to me, as I said I don't do the Jabez prayer. I also would dispute with Wilkinson the story of Jabez as he interprets it. However, the book makes plain that the enlargement of territory is not about material things, and the passage you quoted does not refer to material things.

As to the constant repetition or chanting of the same prayer-I suppose one would do it in a meditative way so as to not let your mind be distracted during the prayer. This sort of approach (and indeed the Labyrinth thing) are not IMO unlike the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which also involves meditation in addition to conscious prayer. I don't do Lectio Divina either, but it has been around for centuries and does not represent a new Buddha-izing of Christianity.

I agree that the merchandising of the Jabez thing is rather tasteless, but I cannot think that praying to God to enlarge one's area of influence to bring people to the faith is a bad thing.

My reply was to emphasize that although you may not see any harm in it, it may be connected to a harmful undercurrent of modern mysticism that teaches people to use "techniques and technologies" to gain enlightenment and power.

Wilkinson's words about enlarging territory -- "the cycle repeats itself, you'll find that you are steadily moving into wider spheres of blessing and influence, spiraling ever outward and upward" -- made me think of the labryinth. Of course that gave me the creeps. But the labryinth-walkers claim it's harmless also because it's an ancient practice.

To me this seems to be headed back toward ritual and mantras and away from the person and message of Christ. The book could have been written without the ritual and been a great message, but it wouldn't have been as lucrative for the author. Maybe he should have called it "Cotton Candy for the Soul." People love it, and it may not be good for you but it probably won't kill you.

I agree, Sans-Culotte. People are reading more into this than is there.... enlarging ones territory is meant to enlarge ones sphere of influence. I have seen this happen! There are people being brought across my path to minister to, people being brought into our lives to be influenced by us.

Spycatcher, As far as chanting???? Where does it say that? I don't recall reading that in the book. It says to pray it daily...to me that means you pray it once, that day....not hundreds of times. Where on earth did that come from ???

There is nothing wrong with petitioning the Lord for something daily, or frequently. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Phil. 4:6. Luke 18 Christ speaks in a parable and addresses the issue of persistance.

I think that it also needs to be taken into account that any prayer that goes up without faith, is just that. If someone is going to recite lines of anything, are not a child of God, and do not have the faith and belief it will come to pass.....then nothing will happen. I think it is sad for some people here to pick this book apart, and say it is bad because it will damage someone's faithlife, or christian walk. I have had many struggles and trials myself in the past year-and-a-half. This book and this prayer have not caused my faith to waver!

I am thankful to the Lord that this book was written. I have heard of many unexpected blessings received by many from these prayers. Myself, I have seen our borders expanded! The expectation and anticipation and joy are marvelous!!