Shaal means to ask, inquire, request, or demand. It appears about 170 times. It covers questions, petitions, seeking guidance, and asking for something from another.
Asking God (shaal) is an act of dependence and faith. 'Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance' (Psalm 2:8). God invites petition. Yet the verb also warns against asking amiss (asking for a king, 1 Samuel 8). Jesus said, 'Ask and it will be given to you' (Matthew 7:7).