The answer
St. Basil the Great says, “He undoubtedly knows [what we need] and He gives us abundantly all temporal things even before we ask. However, we should first ask for the things that are profitable and for the kingdom of heaven, and thereafter we receive what we desire; but let us ask patiently and faithfully, ask for what is good for us, and let us not hinder our prayers by disobeying our consciences.”84
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty
Notes
84 See St. Basil of Caesarea, Const. Mon. 1 (PG 31:1325–1338).