“"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11
Perhaps you doubt that your prayer makes a difference. Based on God’s Word prayer is vital in our relationship with God. Jesus encouraged us to pray and when we put forth the effort to pray, God responds. There are three actions described here.
ASK: We need to make our requests known. Going to God is a recognition that you have needs and you need His help. God doesn’t want us to think that we are self sufficient and do not need Him. Contrary to what some may teach, however, this is not a promise that God will give us our every whim and desire. He is not a genie in a bottle. But, He will give us what we He determines we need and what is best for us according to His will.
Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is an example of this: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
SEEK: God wants us engaged with Him and His Word. He wants us to have an inquiring mind and a teachable heart. Seeking God grows our faith and prayer is an act of faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
God wants to hear from us but He also wants to impart His wisdom to us. Prayer is meant to be a two way communication.
KNOCK: We knock on a door when we seek admittance. That means we believe that someone will respond and give us access. Prayer becomes that knock on heaven’s door and through the blood of Jesus, we have access to the very throne of God. We have access no matter our race, sex, age, position, etc. We can enter even though we are not worthy. Christ makes us worthy. He is that door of access to our Heavenly Father.
These verses also teach us about God’s nature. We aren’t promised every thing we desire but we are promised that God will give us good things. If selfish, human parents can provide what they know is good for their children vs what would harm them, how much more can we trust in the goodwill of our Heavenly Father to provide what He knows will be for our ultimate good.
May I encourage you to embrace prayer as vital to your Christian growth and wellbeing. It’s very simple. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you, His beloved child ,to meet with Him. Ask, seek, knock. He will provide, be available and bless You with what is meant for your ultimate good.