Dear Michael:

St. Jamest tells us, (James 4:2b-4) "You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." 

What constitutes asking wrongly. Well, to ask God that a certain horse will win the race is certainly inappropriate. God does not facilitate our gambling. Asking God for a Porsche or a multi-million dollar mansion are things equally inappropriate. Asking God for some women to allow you to fornicate with her is obviously inappropriate, but some men (or women) to that.

God will give us what we need, not always what we desire.

On proper petitions to God, one can never presume a "yes" or "no" answer until the answer is revealed. This is discerned by circumstances, others' discernment, and the "still small voice within you."

For example, when I was a teenager (in the Baptist Church) a lot of people thought I should be a preacher and told me so. That is a clue when others see something in you. But, that is not enough. Doors may open or close. That is a clue, but is not enough. There is your own desires about the matter, but that is not enough. Finally, there is the still small voice of God who speaks quietly to you.

It is a combination of all these things that helps us discern God's answer. Keep in mind that in some cases God's answer may not come or years or even decade. In the meantime we go ahead serving God where we are at until He reveals another path.

I hope that helps.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

P.S. By the way, I did become a Baptist preacher. I still preach, teach, and do apologetics as a lay Catholic Brother over the Internet, at St. Michael Academy for Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance, and in speaking and workshop engagements.