Matthew 6:8 "... your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."
The story is told of a wealthy lady who was traveling on a train with her little boy and a pet dog. A nurse was in charge of the child, and the rich woman sat in front of them holding her dog and reading a book. Soon the boy began to whine and complain because he wanted something. "Nurse," said the mother, "how many times have I told you to let Billy have whatever he wants?" The nurse replied, "Yes, ma'am." A few minutes later Billy began to scream out loudly and the mother said impatiently, "Didn't I tell you to let him have whatever he wants?" The nurse replied, "Yes, ma'am, you did, and there was a big ugly wasp playing on the window. Billy wanted it, so he got it!"
We smile at the story and yet often we as Christians cry out to our Heavenly Father for things we think we have need of. We become impatient and wonder why He doesn't answer our prayers and grant our requests. But God knows that some of our desires will bring us a sting of pain, like Billy's wasp, so He graciously spares us the hurt of getting what we want. Because our Father is a God of infinite wisdom, He knows what is best for us. Therefore, it is much better that we pray at all times, "If it be thy will." Sometimes His "NO!" is a better answer to our prayers than His "YES!" You see the one who knows "the end from the beginning" (Isaiah 46:10) will always do what is best for His children.
Don't be one of those who ask with wrong motives so that they may consume what they get on pleasure (James 4:3). Be careful of your wants. God knows that to grant some of our requests would be a punishment rather than a blessing.