Gene Barron writes how, when he was a boy, his family had a neighbor who frequently came to their back door. Her reason for coming was always the same, “I just wanted to borrow _______.” The problem was that she never came at any other time—only when she wanted something.

My mother was always gracious and gave her what she wanted, but didn’t appreciate her as much as the other neighbors—especially the one who came frequently but never asked for anything. She would simply say, “Just stopped by for a visit.”

When it comes to prayer, it is true that God does want us to make our requests known to him, but sometimes I feel my prayers are more, “Give me … give me … give me!” I know God is gracious and does hear and answer my prayers, but how much better it would be to come to him not only in times of trouble and need, but to daily come to him with, “Dear God, I’m just calling in for a visit. What can I do for you today?”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you do want me to bring my requests to you, but please help me to think of others’ needs when I pray, and especially bring praise and thanksgiving to you. And today, is there anything I can do for you? Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

1. Philippians 4:6 (NASB).