In asking for a miracle, we put essence before material. When we ask for the essence, we're saying, "God, this," and right behind that we say, "or something better." For our highest request of what we think is a miracle may pale in comparison to what God has in store for us. We may hold the idea of a house, or a relationship or new career, but we know that what we desire most is the essence of what those will bring us. By praying, "This or something better," we open ourselves to miracles we never could have imagined on our own.