Enlarge the Place of Your Tent

Isaiah 54:2 (KJV)

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV)

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh 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.

Your prayers are not confined to the room you pray in. What God does in a small gathering, or in one person at a kitchen table, can reach far beyond those present. As a member of Christ's body, you can pray for the larger body of believers: a minister in another city, a homemaker in a small town, brothers and sisters in other nations. The reach of prayer is not limited by how many people are praying or by the walls around them.

Isaiah’s picture of enlarging the tent and stretching out its curtains encourages you to widen your vision and make room for what God desires to do. Jabez asked God to enlarge his coast, and God granted his request. This enlarging comes through faithful attention to Holy Spirit. As you respond to His leading, He can open new ways for your prayer and ministry to reach others beyond your familiar surroundings.

Ask yourself honestly whether your prayers have grown small, limited to your own needs or your nearest circle. God is not asking you to carry the whole world alone. He may be asking you to make more room.

Lord, I make room for what You desire to do. I enlarge the place of my tent and stretch out the curtains of my vision. My prayers are not confined to the walls around me. As a member of the body of Christ, I pray for my brothers and sisters near and far. Bless me indeed, enlarge my coast, and let Your hand be with me as I follow Holy Spirit's leading. In Jesus' name, amen.

Beyond your usual circle of prayer, whose names or places come to mind? Write down three people, ministries, or places, near or far, that Holy Spirit may be inviting you to carry in prayer.

Pray for each name or place you wrote down, one at a time. You might include a minister you know of, a believer in another city, and the church in another nation. Then ask, "Holy Spirit, where else would You have my prayers reach?" and pray for whatever He brings to mind.