Is the manifestation of the Spirit given or asked for?

The manifestation of the Spirit is given, not asked for. It is not the believer’s prerogative to request a particular gift; rather, God gives the manifestation to every man to profit withal. The Holy Spirit divides these gifts to each person individually as He wills, not according to human asking.

Les teaches that the manifestation of the Spirit is given, not asked for. He explains that it is not our prerogative to ask for a particular gift; rather, you take the gift that God has given you and be content with it. The manifestation is given to every man to profit withal. Les then points to verse 11, where the same thought is repeated: all these things work by the one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally or differently as He, the Holy Spirit, wills. So the giving is according to the Spirit’s will, not human request.

1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Do we have the right to ask for a particular spiritual gift?

No. It is not our prerogative to ask for a particular spiritual gift. The manifestation of the Spirit is given, not asked for; the Holy Spirit divides gifts to each person as He wills. Believers should be content with the gift God has given them.