Certain things have been engraved upon my heart by God's grace. I know, both in my head and my heart that God loves me. I know he has redeemed me through Christ and that he has a plan for me, and that all the good things in my life and world proceed from Him. I also know that when I suffer (whether through my own waywardness or through his plan) that he is there with me, shepherding me and caring for me. I do not doubt His passion for me or his presence in my life. Indeed, the evidence of his care for me is personally overwhelming and I could scarce do more than yield to it. This then is the basis for my walk with Christ - the combination of my will, my heart and my intellect yielded to a living Jesus. For me, this is settled and unshakable ground.
Then too, when it comes to miracles and the gifts of the Spirit, I do not doubt that they are real and that God moves daily on people all over the world. I have seen miracles and experienced mind blowing manifestations of God's presence. This too is settled for me. God does move and I have seen it. If that is not something that is settled for you, re-read the first paragraph. You might recognize that the first paragraph represents a greater leap of faith than the second - even though we often get them reversed. Relationship with a living God is a miracle not to be discounted as ordinary. It's not as splashy as filling teeth or growing limbs, but it is certainly far more powerful and life changing.
So, I have a firm belief in both the inward life of Christ and the outward manifestations of His presence. Still, I have a problem. I don't really ask God for much. You see, I have somehow adopted a path of basic non-resistance to life's events. I accept things as they come and do not ask for God's intervention very often. In fact, I have to say that I have not been asking God for anything other than to grow in knowing him. Perhaps that seems noble. You might say that such a deep and Spiritual sentiment is a testament to my maturity in Christ. You would be wrong. I have needs and hurts and wants. I feel desperate and hungry. There are times I feel trapped in a circumstance where the way out is closed. These are things I should be giving to Jesus.
In fact, I usually choose not to ask for some very unspiritual reasons. Perhaps you are like me and we can figure out how to start asking God together. First, let's talk about those dynamics of giver and receiver and what it means to "ask".