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I think beechC23's advice is simple, effective, and straight to the point.
1. Be prepared to back up your request for a raise.
2. Ask in a professional manner: straight to the point but being polite and non-demanding, pointing out reasons.
3. Be prepared for a no. If it means your not prepared to look for another job and staying would be worse, then don't ask.
4. If you are financially stable ENOUGH and emotionally strong enough to get a NO answer then you are in a better position to stay or to look.
5. To sum it up: Prepare as if doing your homework, ask in a straight forward polite way; be prepared for options if a NO is received, and if not prepared then don't ask.