Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying,
1 Chronicles 4:10Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!
And God granted him that which he requested.
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 2, number 22. The prayer of Jabez.
Music: Ballerma François H. Barthélémon (1741–1808), adapted by Robert Simpson in A Selection of Original Sacred Music, 1833 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Simpson (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Barthélémon,
Jesus, who bought us with His blood,
And makes our souls His care,
Was known of old as Israel’s God,
And answered Jabez’ prayer.
Jabez! a child of grief! the name
Befits poor sinners well;
For Jesus bore the cross and shame,
To save our souls from hell.
Teach us, O Lord, like him, to plead
For mercies from above;
O come, and bless our souls indeed,
With light, and joy, and love.
The Gospel’s promised land is wide,
We fain would enter in;
But we are pressed, on every side,
With unbelief and sin.
Arise, O Lord, enlarge our coast,
Let us possess the whole;
That Satan may no longer boast
He can Thy work control.
Oh, may Thine hand be with us still,
Our guide and guardian be;
To keep us safe from every ill,
Till death shall set us free.
Help us on Thee to cast our care,
And on Thy Word to rest;
That Israel’s God, who heareth prayer,
Will grant us our request.