Petition?

So as i was laying down to sleep I began to pray. Pray about things I wanted, needed, desired...blessings in finances, relationships, salvation for the lost, my parents move/job, and many other things.

I suddenly pondered, what does it mean to petition? A passage in the Bible flashed through my mind...

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

So, what does it mean to petition?

- According to wikipedia: Petition is a request to change something and can also be the legal title to a pleading that initiates a case to be heard in court.

- According to dictionary.com: Petition is a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority. Something that is sought for by request.

When I think of petition, it makes me think of the people who stand in front of federal buildings with their signs and they stand their "petitioning" until something changes. Rain or shine, sun or snow, these people are faithful in standing for what they want. They believe that by marching around, waving their signs and shouting, that in the end, they can make a difference. They are confident and don't easily give up.

Are we like this with God? Or do we give up easily, thinking that God doesn't hear us?

Do we believe we have the power to move the hand of God?

Are we confident that our words and actions by faith can really make a difference?

Maybe when we pray, we should not merely use words, but should believe and be confident that what we are petitioning for, will come to pass.

God is gracious and able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine...so what are we afraid of? He wants to give good gifts to His children!!! If we feel as though we aren't receiving these good gifts, then who are we? Does God consider me His child?
Am I acting as one of His?

Those are just my thoughts and ramblings as I seek God and believe for miracles!