Do you ever find yourself praying so much for others and so little for yourself? I know I do, but it wasn't until I recently read The Prayer of Jabez that I became aware of it. When asked at Bible study if I had a prayer request, I would mull over who I knew that was sick or having problems, never even considering myself. On the rare occasion that there was something about which I would like others to pray for me, I was embarrassed to ask.

My reason for never asking much for myself stems in part from childhood, and in part from my role as a mother. As a child, I was taught not to ask for things I wanted. My parents didn't have much extra money, so we couldn't afford "luxuries." They told me not to ask my grandparents for toys and candy whenever I would go shopping with them. I'm not sure if it was out of politeness or out of pride that they didn't want me to ask. Even now, I still find it difficult to ask anyone for help with anything, including help from God.

As mothers, we do so much for our children, and often sacrifice doing for ourselves. Our role is to bring a child into the world and care for his or her every need. As children grow older, their needs change, but they still require a lot of time, not to mention money. My husband and I started a family at a young age, so I never had the opportunity to be responsible for just me. Over the years, I've become accustomed to having little time for myself. I can think of things I'd like to do, like playing the piano, but where would I find time for a luxury like that? When there's not much money left over, I would feel guilty if I spent anything on myself. So I've continued into adulthood with that same mentality -- not asking for anything for me.

After reading The Prayer of Jabez, I learned that God wants us to ask for blessings for ourselves. Doing so is Biblical, not selfish! 1Chronicles 4:10, where the prayer of Jabez can be found, reads, "'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, that I might not cause pain.' So God granted him what he requested." God has so much He wants to give us, if only we'd ask.

During the time I learned this, I was going through a challenging period in my career. I was working to advance myself, but thinking that maybe it was wrong to want more. Was I was being greedy to pray for God's help in this advancement? After all, I had a wonderful husband, two healthy, beautiful daughters, a nice home, and plenty to eat. But the new position would help to better provide for our family, and I would have more time to devote to them. It would also give me the opportunity to influence others through my leadership. Still, I thought it was greedy to ask, since I was already so blessed. After reading Jabez's prayer in the Bible, I realized it wasn't bad to ask God for help in this endeavor.

Through this career advancement, I believe God has been using me along the journey. I have met many people, women in particular, and have been able to shine as a light for God. I recently met a woman who had been feeling depressed for a long time. I was at her home to treat her to a glamour makeover. During our appointment, she reached out to me and shared her sorrow over losing her mother and everything she owned in a fire, less than a year ago. She spoke of several recent health problems. She just didn't feel like going on anymore.

I had never faced anything like this in my own life, so I couldn't give advice based on personal experience, but I could listen and give her God's reassurance. I told her that God would bring her through these difficult times, that He could heal her pain, and He wouldn't give her more than she could handle. After her makeover, she looked in the mirror and I could see a smile. She felt prettier than she had in a long time, and I felt blessed to help her feel better about herself, along with lifting her spirit with encouraging words. This was all because God used me to touch another person's life.

Do you ever stop to think about those whose lives you touch, who then go on to touch others' lives? Even a little smile or kind word can brighten a person's day, and perhaps he or she will be kinder to the next person. God can use all of us, whatever our position or place in life, to minister to those in need. We don't have to be pastors or Sunday school teachers.

Now when I pray, I ask God to help those on my prayer list (including myself), and to show me who I can help through my work. I praise and thank Him, and ask for His abundant blessings!

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