Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:
Many Muslims neglect making du‘aa, and as for those who make du‘aa, then many of them have not understood the power of du‘aa. The importance and power of du‘aa need to be explained to the Muslims in order that they engage in du‘aa with the correct mindset.
At the time of making du‘aa, one should bear in mind that one is presenting one’s needs in the court of the King of all kings. While presenting one’s needs before Allah Ta‘ala, one should focus one’s heart towards the majesty of Allah Ta‘ala and His greatness. Then, with utmost humility and helplessness, one should converse with Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa with the heart being filled with the conviction that Allah Ta‘ala will certainly accept his du‘aa. One should also realize that the being from whom one is begging is the King of all kings, who is most generous, kind and loving towards His servants. When He is most generous, kind and loving towards His servants, then He will most surely answer the call of His servants. Undoubtedly, the keys to the treasures of the heavens and earth only lie in His hand and He has complete and supreme power over everything. It is with this mindset that one should make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala and present his need.
(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 44-45)