Ask. Seek. Knock.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
—Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus’ words in the first part of this scripture are simple: Ask. Seek. Knock. But as simple as these three words are, they are sometimes difficult for us to remember. These three words are a reminder to us that prayer isn’t about saying the perfect words, it’s about coming to God honestly. These words are a reminder that no matter where we are in life, no matter how far we might’ve strayed from our relationship with God, all we have to do is pause and talk to Him. “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

We are invited to ask boldly, not because we deserve everything we ask for, but because God delights in giving what is good. Just like a loving parent, God doesn’t turn away from us and He always provides.

Jesus then goes on to connect these promises to how we treat others. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” When we trust God’s love towards us, we become more loving with others. Prayer and daily relationship with God not only changes what we receive, but it also changes how we live. So remember to come to God with open hearts: Ask. Seek. Knock.

Prayer

God, remind us to trust You as a loving father. Give us the courage to ask, the patience to seek, and the faith to keep knocking on Your door. Shape our hearts to reflect You in the way that we treat others. Amen.