You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2 (NIV)
My favorite saying is, "you have not because you ask not." I taught this to my youngest son, and he definitely leans into that way of thinking. He has never been afraid to ask for anything. While he doesn't always receive what he asks for he knows that without asking he will never receive it. As a father when I tell him "no", it is for his own good because I know what will cause him harm.
Throughout the Bible we see several examples of when and how to approach God with what we ask in prayer. The Creator of Heaven and Earth has the entire world to consider. The wisdom that God uses to decide when to say yes, and when to say no can be summarized in this verse, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3 (NIV)
A few things to consider when you bring your requests before God:
Does what you ask lead to the Father to get the glory? Are you asking in Jesus’ name? John 14:13-14
Are you requesting with thanksgiving in your heart? Philippians 4:6
Will this request only benefit you? Or said another way, will it cause someone else harm? Or will it be used for the benefit of others? 2 Chronicles 1:8-12
Are you actively seeking what you are asking for or simply waiting for God to provide? Matthew 7:7; 6:33
Are you asking with confidence that God can and will do it? 1 John 5:14
Are you asking for God’s will to be done? 1 John 5:14
Are you believing what you asked for? Matthew 21:22
Ask for the Spirit to be your advocate to help you. John 14:16
If you have done all of the above and still have not received, see the “Waiting” devotional.