You bring four requests before God, and that is a good beginning. The heart that turns to its Maker in need already shows the first stirrings of faith. Yet why unspoken? Is not the mouth the door of the soul, given that love might pour forth? When Paul loved the Corinthians, he said, "Our mouth is open unto you", he could not bear to be silent toward those he cherished. How much more should our mouth be open before God, who knows all, yet desires the sweet converse of His children. He has no need of our words, but we have need to speak them, that our trust may become solid in the telling. Unspoken prayers risk being like seed scattered in the dark. Bring them into the light, and see if they are such as you would lay before a merciful Father.
Consider the content of your requests. Many hurry to entrust their treasures to the earth, to men, to schemes, to fading comforts. But the Lord says, "Give it into my hand." Is not the Lord of the earth more faithful than the earth? The earth may fail to return what you laid in it; He never fails, and He adds honor and incorruption besides. Examine, then, whether these four petitions are for true riches. If they seek glory among men, possessions, ease of the flesh, remember: we honor men more than God when we chase such things. That way lies a yoke you have already borne, and to take it up again is senseless. But if they seek deliverance from trials, or strength to endure, or the salvation of souls, then know that our heavenly Father feeds even the unthankful. He clothes the sinner; shall He not much more hear His children who cry day and night? Only, be merciful as He is merciful. If your requests touch on your own deliverance, stretch out your hand also to those in need, and your prayer will find swift acceptance.
The apostles, when they had worked wonders and spoke boldly, were met with bonds. Trials came upon them not by chance, but by God's disposition, that they might wax bold. So do not be surprised if your hidden burdens are permitted for a time. The spoil of goods, the loss of repute, the sting of injustice, these were taken joyfully by those who had full assurance of faith, seeing Him who is invisible. Unspoken they might have been then, but their endurance was their loudest prayer. Yet I urge you, do not remain wholly silent. Let your requests be known to God with thanksgiving, and if they are too tender to share with men, pour them out before the throne. The ruler of this world may rage, but the true Judge petitions you through His own mercy. Be not savage toward yourself by hiding away, but as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, make your petitions known. And pray that you enter not into temptation; pray that your service, even these four needs, may be accepted of God, not for your merit alone, but for the sake of His love.
Go then, and speak to Him who already hears. And let your life be the amen to your prayer, for deeds shall be inquired into, and not faith only. But if you walk in patience, in necessities, in distresses, yet with an open mouth and a trusting heart, the end of those requests will be glory and honor and incorruptibility.