You don't have, because you don't ask!

Imagine you come into a restaurant and ask if your order is ready. "When did you order?" the waiter asks. "Oh, I did not," you answer. "I thought you might have something with my name." Sounds ridiculous? It is the same thing when you expect God to respond to the demands you have not made.

James 4:2-3 said " ...you do not have because you do not ask". But does that mean He will give you everything you ask for? No!

Jacob vs 3 adds: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Your reasons must be according with God's will for you.

1 John 5:14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
" And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan) He listens to and hears us."

The prayer you expect a response shows your trust in the goodness of God, and instead of agitating and taking the problems into your own hands, says, "Lord, I will trust You regardless of the outcome," and He will honor your faith!