Rescue me from the cruel sword, and deliver me from the hand of aliens, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hands are false. May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars, cut for the building of a palace. May our barns be filled, with produce of every kind; may our sheep increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields, and may our cattle be heavy with young. May there be no breach in the walls, no exile, and no cry of distress in our streets. Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall; happy are the people whose God is the LORD. (Psalm 144: 11-15)

What do we want? David asks for admirable children, prosperity, and security.

When his son was asked what he wanted Solomon said, "Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil..." (1 Kings 3: 9)

Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness when he was weak from hunger. Satan encouraged Jesus to ask for stones to become bread, for protection against harm, and for great power. (Matthew 4)

Jesus taught us to ask for the coming of God's rule and the doing of God's will, our daily bread, receiving and extending forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil. (Matthew 6: 9-13)

We may ask out of faith or fear, in service or selfishness. Regardless of our intention it is important that we ask and do our best to listen for the answer. The dialogue of prayer is more important than how it begins.