This all-important lesson of the need of humility in prayer is taught us by the word chalah . In most cases there is distinct reference to sin. The lesson taught us by this word is enforced throughout the whole Bible. Prayer implies the recognition of our need. This is best brought out by the New Testament word deomai .
Petition is the most characteristic feature of prayer.
But sincere petition implies a sense of need. It is when there is no sense of need behind our prayers that they are vague and indefinite, unreal and powerless. It is aimless. But petitions, which are not purposeful, are no petitions at all. There must be a sense of need before that need can be made known to God.