This is a thought which appeared in my mind, when I was "asking the universe" for something, as a reply to my asking. And the more I think about it, the more it seems to be the "essence of magic" revealed in a single sentence.

If one believes that it is given, no... not believe.. know it to be given, then there is no need to ask. Asking (via spells, prayers etc) shows that one is not certain, and it is this certainty which seems to me to be the the key to results.

There is no need for spells. There is no need for prayers. There is no need for rituals.

There is no need to ask for what is already given.