The Bible seems to indicate that certain "rules" ought to govern and inform our prayer. A first is faith: we must passionately believe that God can do what we are asking for. A second is forgiveness: if we want the grace of God to flow to and through us, we must remove the resentments and angers that block it. And third is praying in Jesus' name: when we ask things of God we should do so in the stance and spirit of his Son.