The human being can do many things unconsciously, but cannot ask something from someone without conscious effort. When we make a request to someone, we deliberately converse face to face with him. That is why dua is called the mind of worship. In dua, we really face Allah; we are humbled and submissive. There are many kinds of specific duas which we make for specific needs. We habitually seek refuge from enemies, Jinn/ Shaytan or trials and tribulations. "Wa Iyyaka Nasta'een" is a book which has an array of such duas, by means of which we can ask for protection from Allah.