9 “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Notice the verbs Jesus used in these verses—ask, seek, knock. Was Jesus being repetitive to make a point, or do each of the three words indicate something different than the others? Think of examples of each in your own life. When have you asked someone for something? When have you sought, or searched, for answers? When has a door in your life been closed and you had to knock on it a bit before it was opened?
The exhortation to ask, seek, and knock has important implications regarding the discipline of prayer. For one, you can’t bug Jesus. When Jesus said to ask, He didn’t mean to just do it once. The verbs Jesus used all signify continuously repeated activities. He will never get tired of your setting aside time to talk to Him. Your discipline to continue in prayer proves your trust in Him. In addition, He expects you to make petitions when you pray. Jesus knows there are things you need, and He wants to hear those petitions. Your discipline to ask proves your need for Him.
There are promises for those who understand the importance of discipline in prayer. When you ask God, seek something from Him, and knock expectantly at His door, He will certainly open it. You may not always receive the specific thing you want, but you will always find the provision you need.
- Are there requests you shy away from making to God? Why? How will you take those before Him now?
- Pray: If there are needs you’ve shied away from asking of God, ask Him now. Thank God for always welcoming your requests to Him and never growing tired of hearing from you. Acknowledge your need for Him and trust in Him.