Why Ask?

There are many ways to pray, but one of the most common one that exists deals with requesting or asking for things in our lives. These prayers of request are extremely common and are seen in most faiths, where something is asked for, be it help with specific circumstances or general aid with troubles, or spiritual obstacles.

Speaking from a Muslim perspective, the question must arise... why?

I mean, God is supposed to be omniscient right? Why would I need to ask for anything? If I really need anything and I'm a good person, why would I need to specifically ever ask? Shouldn't bad things go away on their own, shouldn't good flood to me through my deeds? Would a good person even truly need to ask for anything?

These are great questions... the answer, as with most things - depends.

In my personal perspective, I would say that over time, all negative events are temporary. Even the worst of all situations cannot perpetuate indefinitely and eventually some positive aspects of life will become manifest. However, this does not take away the fact that in many faiths, prayers for the easing of difficulties are encouraged...

Rumi once said something that really struck a chord with this topic, so I will quote him - from his philosophical work - Fihi ma Fihi, "God says, 'Oh my child, I would answer your smallest petition and slightest complaint without delay, if it weren't that the voice of your complaint is so sweet to my ears. My answer lingers unspoken in hopes that you might complain again and again, for the sound of your voice is so sweet to me.'" Now obviously, when Rumi mentions the word, "child" it is a metaphor for the fact that God has created us, but the importance here is in the fact that God wants to hear from us. He loves us and wishes for even a word of complaint from our mouths.

So, are our pleas even needed?

I look at this question from the perspective of a family. When I was young, we would sometimes go to restaurants and grocery stores, and at times my dad would give me money. He would ask me to pay for the things that he was buying in order to feed and sustain the family. When I used to give the money to the cashier, I would always feel a sense of accomplishment... I helped! In some way, I am helping to feed my family!

The money came from my dad... Most of the important items that were bought were picked out by one of my parents... yet... My father in his love and grace gave me the means to help him.

Prayers of request are the same. God does not need any help to fulfill our prayers, he knows what we need, when we need it. He lets us help Him through His grace. We are given the ability to help, we are given the power to accomplish what needs to be done. If we didn't pray, we wouldn't be left alone... He would still take care of us and our needs because He can do no less, He loves us.

These prayers are our way of helping ourselves, so go ahead. Ask for what you want! Anything at all. After all, it isn't necessarily in your control what you receive, but it is in your power to "make God smile."