Thank Hashem for the Good

A person who wishes to pray for what he needs should first thank Hashem for what he has already received, and only then make his new requests. This is seen in the verse that says to thank Hashem because He is good, and then, because His kindness is forever, new blessing is drawn to the world. The Tiferes Shlomo finds this pattern in the davening of the Yamim Noraim. First we say the words that Hashem should be blessed above all, thanking Him for the good of the past year, and only after that do we ask to be written for a good life in the year ahead.