The Prayer We Think We Shouldn't Pray | Jennie Lusko | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Prayer We Think We Shouldn't Pray

Fresh Life Church • Oct 20, 2025 • 48 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Jennie Lusko teaches on Jabez's prayer in 1 Chronicles 4:10, focusing on the phrase 'enlarge my territory' and the bold request for God to give us 'more.' While believers often hesitate to pray for expansion out of fear of being selfish, God is an abundant Father who invites us to ask for increased spiritual influence, kingdom impact, and generosity. By surrendering our mess and stepping out in faith, we allow God to expand our borders for His glory and the spread of the gospel.

Themes

Prayer and BoldnessSpiritual Influence & ImpactContentment vs. Godly AmbitionGenerosity and Kingdom StewardshipGod's Abundance and ProvisionFaith and Surrender

Pastor's Points

1.

Increase my influence and impact in Your name.

2.

Give me more so I can give more.

3.

Expand my awe of You so I can inspire awe in others of You.

4.

Grow me in generosity so I can build Your church and Your kingdom.

5.

Extend my reach so Your love will reach the world around me.

6.

Let me be and do and attempt more for You according to Your will.

Key Points

1.
When God blesses us, it is not meant solely for our own enjoyment, but so that we can be a channel of blessing to others.
2.
Jabez's request to 'enlarge my territory' is an invitation to ask God for greater influence, reach, and capacity for His kingdom.
3.
There is a healthy tension between being content with what God provides and asking Him for expanded territory and kingdom impact.
4.
God is an abundant Father who delights in pouring out His goodness, offering rivers of delight and overflowing grace to His children.
5.
Praying 'give me more' can mean asking for increased influence, greater generosity, expanded awe of God, extended reach, and a heart ready to attempt more for His will.
6.
Human estimation of territory relies on personal abilities and experience, but God's math relies on our willingness combined with His supernatural power.
7.
Surrendering control means handing God the messy, knotted places of our lives and trusting Him to make a way forward.
8.
Enlarging our territory requires more faith, deeper surrender, greater responsibility, and stepping into uncomfortable, bold obedience daily.

Sermon Moments

“When you're blessed, it's not just for you. When you're blessed, it's so that you can be a blessing.”

“God is an abundant Father who invites His children to feast on the richness of His house and shelter under His wings.”

“We are not called to love riches, but to love and honor the God who gives and takes away.”

“God so loved your world that He sent you into your world to love the people in that world to show them who He is.”

“God's math is: my willingness plus God's will and supernatural power equals my expanding territory.”

“It's not going to be clean and it's not going to be pretty, but it's going to be holy.”

“You can't support someone with what you don't have; when you ask God to enlarge your territory, it allows you to fund kingdom work.”

“In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

This Week

Pray the simple three-word prayer 'give me more' daily, asking God for increased spiritual impact rather than personal status.

Practice daily contentment by thanking God for what He has provided while remaining open to His expansion.

Hand over the messy, knotted areas of your life to God in prayer, surrendering your need to control your own trajectory.

Look for everyday opportunities to step out in faith, such as offering help or sharing God's love with a friend or neighbor.

Ask God to enlarge your awe of Him through daily worship and scripture reading so that your life inspires awe in others.

Increase your financial generosity and partnership with your local church to help fund gospel ministry worldwide.

Step out of your comfort zone this week by attempting something new for God's glory that requires His supernatural strength.

Remember This

Asking God to 'enlarge your territory' is a bold prayer of surrender, inviting Him to expand your spiritual reach and generosity so that His love reaches the world around you.

A Challenge for You

Commit to praying bold prayers like 'give me more' for God's sake and glory, standing up in faith to allow Him to use your life, hands, and resources to reach the world around you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.