I have heard of writing letters or petitions to God and to the Universe for the last decade or so while participating in various spiritual discussion groups. 
If you’ve never heard of them before, they are letters we write to God or to the Universe of souls who’ve known us before, during and possibly after this lifetime who are rooting for us to be happy and content.

They’re more for our benefit than God’s or the Universe’s since I believe that They both know what we want even before we do.

I used to think that the typical thing a person would do is to burn the letter so that it figuratively or ritualistically rises up to the Universe…
as if the Universe didn’t read it while we were writing it…duh.

Well, when I read Chapter 9 in “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, I found a really neat addition to this spiritual practice that I had never heard before.  When she wrote her petition, she actually has people sign it!  Figuratively of course.
She and her girlfriend Iva imagined everyone from the Clintons to Abraham Lincoln signing her petition.  Everyone who they thought would sign the petition did sign the petition on Elizabeth’s behalf. 

I thought that was the coolest thing I’d heard in a long time!  I see no reason why Matthew Maconahay wouldn’t want me to be able to keep up my exercise regimen!  I see no reason why Julius Cesar would watch my back against ne’er-do-wells.  I see no reason why the Dali Lama would want me to have peace of mind.  I don’t know why I haven’t heard of this or thought of it myself!  It’s great!!

Now, some folks may say that this is a waste of time and your opinions are duly respected as are mine (I hope).
You don’t have to be religious or spiritual to petition for a better life or well being.  The reality is that people, whether they be atheists, spiritualists and all folks in between, petition God and the Universe every day…every time they pray or speak a wish outloud or ponder things they fancy they are petitioning someone or something.

I have had great success with my petitions but I am smart enough to know that not every wish will be granted for there are things that are beyond our control and things that must happen in order for us to learn.  I do believe that there is a purpose under heaven and we tend to learn more about ourselves and life when things are hard but there is no reason why we can’t ask for a smoother path.

You never know…you just might ask and receive!!  I have!!
I petitioned once to help me make ends meet.  I heard a voice in my head that said that I could have what I wanted but I’d have to work for it.  In other words (as I see it) God would help me if I’d help myself.  I had to watch my spending!  So I asked for strength and I got it.  I don’t worry over bills anymore.

I’ve prayed or petitioned for many things and I’ve gotten them.  I don’t think God wants us to be miserable.  I think God wants us to be happy but I think sometimes we stand in our own way to progress.

I’m not a big Dr. Phil fan but he did say something once that I’ll never forget. 
“Pray to God but row for the shore.“ 
In other words…God helps those who help themselves.