"Asking God for money or things is selfish and shows I don't trust Him."
How it sounds in your head: I feel bad praying about wanting something specific, like it's shallow to bother God with that. Maybe I'm supposed to just trust Him and not ask, or only ask for 'spiritual' things, not physical or financial stuff.
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
-- Matthew 7:11Source: Religion teaching that asking for provision shows lack of faith, twisting 'seek first the kingdom' into 'never ask for anything material' and making God distant and unapproachable.
You've been taught that faith means not asking, just trusting, and that asking for specific things—especially money or material needs—is somehow less spiritual. It feels presumptuous to bring your real desires to God, like He's too busy for your 'small' requests.
Abraham's servant prayed a VERY specific prayer—'Let the young woman who offers water to me AND my camels be the one' (Genesis 24:12-14). Before he finished praying, Rebekah appeared and did EXACTLY that. God answered the specific request immediately.
I REFUSE the lie that asking God for provision is selfish. IT IS WRITTEN in Matthew 7:11 that my Father in heaven gives GOOD THINGS to those who ASK Him. He is not annoyed by my requests; He delights in them. IT IS WRITTEN in Philippians 4:19 that my God shall supply ALL my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I am not bothering God when I bring my desires to Him; I am honoring Him as my Source. I ask boldly, knowing He loves to give good gifts to His children.
Your Father isn't irritated when you ask Him for things—He's WAITING for you to ask so He can show off His generosity. He's not a distant deity who only cares about 'big' spiritual matters; He's a Dad who wants to hear about everything, including the desires of your heart.