While prayer is simply talking to God, petition is asking for something specific. We are to pray and petition God about every circumstance and situation. We can go to God anytime, continually talking to Him as our loving Father. 

Over time, I have learned that instead of just asking God to bless me or others, generally, I need to be specific in my prayers. For example, I might ask God to bless my finances or those of a loved one, in a particular area of need. Don’t misunderstand me, God already knows what we need, but we are often double mind, which amplifies our anxiety and worry and prevents God from doing anything according to James. Being specific overcomes double-mindedness and allows us to see the results of our prayers.

To overcome anxiety and worry, God is telling us to be specific by combining petition with prayer. This combination works best when, by faith, we believe and agree with God’s Word. He is for us and wants to give us His best. That may not always be everything we ask for, but it is everything we ultimately need.