The prayer of petition

In the literal sense, a petition is a formal written plea with legal demands. A petitioner writes according to legal guidelines and make his request in such a way as to convince the one he is presenting his petition to. It is also defined as a solemn entreaty; a supplication or request appealing to an authority, or an earnest or humble appeal for something or to someone.

The prayer of petition does entail much seriousness; its an earnest request accompanied with a great deal of intensity. However, its effectiveness or efficacy doesn't necessarily have to do with lengthiness. You can make far-reaching impact in your world and turn circumstances around in just a few minutes though the prayer of petition.
"I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayer, intercessions, and giving thanks, be made for all men"(1 Timothy 2:1)"
The word 'supplications' here also means 'petitions' or 'entreaties'. So put differently, Apostle paul was instructing Timothy to make petitions a priority in his prayers.

PRAYING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD
Another passage of scripture that talks about petition
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petition that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15)
Since praying according to the will of God is the key ingredient for success in the prayer of petition, it is important for us to understand exactly what it means to ask according to God's will.
Many Christians have assumed, mostly as a result of their misconception of the scriptures, that the reason they didn't receive answers to their prayers was because such prayers weren't in line with the will of God for them. They assume God didn't want them to have what they were asking for. But this is an erroneous interpretation of God's word in the context of prayer. Let's look at the scripture again:
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petition that we desired of Him (1 John 5:14-15)."
Those who hold that mistaken notion that their prayers weren't answered because they didn't pray according to God's will fails to understand that the Holy spirit's emphasis in this scripture isn't primarily the consistency of their request with God's will, but their exclusive privilege of having a hearing with God. Furthermore, when he tells us to ask according to God's will, he isn't talking about WHAT we ask for but HOW we ask for it. In other words, the way and manner we present our petitions ought to be consistent with God's stipulated pattern. It's important to know, therefore, how to ask the Father according to His will for asking.
"And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, i say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, He will give to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that uh your joy may be full...... At that day ye shall ask in my Name (John 16:23-24,26)
Jesus, at this instance, introduced the exclusive deal-the new, acceptable way of asking from God. When you make requests to the Father in Jesus Name, you are actually functioning in Jesus stead. Its as though Jesus were the one making the request.
You know, some religious folks consider praying directly to the Father a sacrilege; they will rather resort to intermediaries such as Mary, or the Apostles, or some saints. Some other think the best they can attain to is commune with Jesus, who will then intercede for them with God. But that's exactly what Jesus said He wont do: "In that day you would ask in My Name, and i will not say to you that i shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that i came forth from God" (John 16:26-27)

The Father doesn't need anyone to plead with Him before He does something about you or grant your requests. He loves you unconditionally! And all he wants is for you to ask according to His will in the Name of Jesus and its yours. His will for asking therefore is in the Name of Jesus.

THANKS FOR READING