How to ask for help or support?

Hi there. My question is really just the title. What is the right way to ask for help or support? I discovered that I get deeply frustrated when people say “I’m praying for you” when they’re able to help but don’t know how.

I know this might seem like a silly or dumb question, but I seem to genuinely not understand.

If I have a friend who is going through a lot, and wants more help than most people want or need, how can he ask for that help? Should that friend ask for help at all?

I get that some people will say no, but this particular friend struggles with having bad experiences in response to asking for help.