Ruling on saying: "I do not ask You to change the decree, but for gentleness"

Question:
I have heard from some that it is not permissible for a person to say: "O Allah, I do not ask You to change the decree, but I ask You for gentleness in it"?

Answer:
No, this statement is not correct; this is not said. Rather, one says: "O Allah, pardon me, O Allah, forgive me, O Allah, have mercy on me, O Allah, protect me from the Fire, O Allah, I seek refuge in You from all evil."
Everything is by divine decree, and supplication is by divine decree. A person asks Allah to protect him from all evil, to bestow upon him steadfastness, guidance, and righteousness, to expand his provision, and to protect him from Satan, his helpers, and his associates. He asks his Lord for good and seeks refuge in Allah from evil.