Our Sages teach us that there are auspicious times for us to pray for special requests, such as requesting health for those needing r’fuah (e.g., hafrashas challah, bris milah, chupah, and during labor). The Talmud also teaches us: “Whoever prays (to Hashem) for mercy on behalf of his friend, while he himself is in need of the same thing, he will be answered first.” We are taught that, in the merit of praying for others, our own prayers are answered, and we fulfill the mitzvos of “Love your fellow as yourself” and chesed.

The Talmud teaches: “Welcoming guests is greater than welcoming the presence of the Sh’chinah” (Shabbos 127).

In Parshas VaYeira, Avraham sat at the opening of his tent in the extreme temperatures while recovering from his bris milah to look for guests so that he can do chesed. Avraham Avinu sees three men in the distance, and he ran out to greet them. The Midrash Rabbah explains that these three men were actually angels sent by Hashem to each carry out one mission.