6. Feel the need of God.

God responds to those who ask for His presence and power in their lives.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
—Matthew 5:6.

7. Persist in prayer.

Jesus illustrated the need to persist in our petitions by telling the story of a very stubborn widow who kept coming to a judge with her request. At last the judge said in exasperation,

“‘Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?’”
—Luke 18:5, 7.

Don’t just throw up a casual, just-in-case request to God. Discuss all your needs, your hopes, and your dreams with Him. Ask for particular blessings. Call for help in time of need. Keep seeking, and keep listening, until you learn something from God’s response.