The Ask Principle- Matthew 7:7 ESV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

This verse is referred to by many a the ask principle. In this verse Jesus is encouraging us to pray. Prayer is simply going to God with our needs. Jesus is encouraging us to do exactly that. When we ask, it means that we desire something. When we seek, it means that we wish to find something or someone. When we knock, we are expecting the door to be opened.

The Lord encourages us to do all three. The Lord told Jeremiah: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14a) James tells us that we have not because we ask not.

The Lord delights in answering the prayers of his children. If the Lord refuses to give you what you are asking for, it is because you are asking for something that is outside of his will for you. Again James tells us that if we ask with wrong motives or lack of faith, we should not expect to receive.

However, that being said, if you ask in faith and in accordance with God’s will, you may be assured of receiving what you ask for, finding what your are looking for, and receiving an answer when you knock. This works best however, when you are asking to receive God’s will, seeking God’s will, and knocking on the door to discover God’s will.

The Bible tells us that the Father seeks for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. When He seeks us, we seek Him, and we find each other, a beautiful relationship develops that will last for all eternity.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This is God’s promise to you. Claim it today. If you have not yet received the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today is the day. Ask Him to save you. Seek Him out. Knock on heaven’s door. He will answer you.