The Invitation to Ask, Seek, and Knock

Reflection on Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

Jesus invites us into a life of persistent prayer, assuring us that when we ask, we receive; when we seek, we find; and when we knock, doors will be opened. These words reflect different seasons in our walk with God.

John Stott explains, “Like a parent, when they are visible and close, we ask. When they are away and unavailable, we seek. When they are hidden and behind a barrier, we knock.” Sometimes God’s presence feels near, and we simply ask. Other times, He seems distant, requiring us to seek Him with determination. And in moments when we face obstacles, we knock persistently, trusting that He hears.

This truth is echoed in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Seeking God is not a passive endeavor—it requires an earnest heart and unwavering faith.

William Barclay reminds us that “Jesus does not mean that every prayer is answered exactly as we wish, but that persistent prayer brings us what we truly need.” Alexander Maclaren adds, “Prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours, but aligning our will to His.”

God promises that those who earnestly seek Him will find Him. Whether we are asking, seeking, or knocking, He welcomes us to trust in His perfect timing and provision.

Short Prayer:

Lord, when You feel near, help me to ask in faith. When You seem distant, strengthen me to seek You with all my heart. And when barriers arise, give me the perseverance to knock until the door opens. Align my prayers with Your perfect will. Amen.