/bookpi55.jpg) Why
Christians Get Sick by Dr.
George H. MalkmusNot willing to accept cancer, Dr. Malkmus began an intensive biblical and scientific study to find out why-and to possibly find an alternative treatment to the usually unsuccessful treatments of the medical profession. What Dr. Malkmus discovered not only brought healing to his own body but also began to answer other questions! This is a general Christian book that raises questions about the very fabric of our society. CLICK HERE |
IF YOU'RE GOING TO PRAY THE PRAYER OF JABEZ, ADD THE NAME OF JESUS
The Christian publishing phenomenon of the year has been the "prayer of Jabez," a biblical exhortation for protection from evil and blessings. We're open to inspired writing, and we've run both pro and con stories on it. There are those who say they've experienced a great expansion of faith -- remarkable effects, an explosion -- while others decry it as prosperity preaching.
We're still in the process of discernment, but we know one prayer that works: that which is asked in the Name of Jesus. We were reminded of that on reading about how Pope John Paul II brought an archbishop who had left the flock back to the faith. "In the name of Jesus, return to the Catholic faith," he admonished this archbishop -- who miraculously did return, despite all odds and previous statements! [see story the other day]
And so this is our potent formula of prayer: the Name of Jesus. In that name we ask protection and blessings and cast out demons and shed those traits which would otherwise keep us from heaven. In that name is God and so in that name is all the power of the heaven.
Can you ask for what you need? Can you ask for blessings?
Of course you can. Jesus said to (Matthew 7:7-9). He said to knock at the door. He said to ask. During the famous Miraculous Medal apparitions in Paris, the Virgin herself said she had graces that failed to rain down because no one asked for them.
But we have to be careful. We have to do it in a way that's in accordance with God's will. We have to be unselfish. Then the prayer will be answered.
If something is good for us and in the plan the Christ -- plus asked with faith -- it will be granted.
So, sure, ask. Ask the Holy Spirit what it is you should ask for. And do it in the name of Christ. If I had anything to add to the prayer of Jabez (taken from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil"), it would be "in the name of Jesus." And it would be knowing, as the author says (but as many don't follow), that this should not be a prosperity prayer. It has nothing to do with the material. It has to do with enlarging our work for God. And it should be purified. It should be cleansed through penance, fasting, and sacrifice.
It's when we suffer that we're purified and it's when we're purified that we find the truly miraculous effect.