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Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 WEB.

We need balance in prayer. Some people are too ashamed of their past to ask God for anything. They feel that they have messed up so bad they are lucky to be saved at all. Others think God is the great Santa Claus in heaven or a pet to command. Their life centers around themselves instead of God.

Neither view is correct, and balance is one of the keys to a happy life. The enemy will always try to get you out of balance to hinder your prayers. Either you don't pray at all or pray for the wrong thing or with the wrong motive. James wrote:

"You don't have, because you don't ask. You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures" (James 4:3 WEB).

When you come to the Lord, your past is forgiven. You become a child of God with all the benefits and perks it brings. You are not a second-class citizen in His family, and you can sit at the table with everyone else like you belong there. There is nothing wrong with asking God to bless you, prosper you, and keep you safe, just as Jabez did.

If anyone on earth has a right to ask God for something, you do. "Sister Bertha Better-than-you" is not better than you. You are forgiven, and you can pray for the things you need. Jesus told us to pray: "Give us today our daily bread." So don't be afraid to ask God for the things you need. When Jabez asked Him, God granted his request. We need balance in our prayer life, but what if Jabez hadn't prayed? He may not have been as blessed as he was. So pray as Jabez did.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for all Your blessings. I pray that You extend my borders and means to help others. Please give me the wisdom to manage my life, family, work, relationships, and time. Lead me, and never let me stray from Your path. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is Thankful Thursday at the Ministry Events group! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.