Introduction
Prayer lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is through prayer that believers communicate with God the Father, expressing their needs, desires, and deepest thoughts. As discussed in my previous article on The Art of Prayer: From Biblical Examples, prayer is a two-way communication where we ask, and God answers. This dynamic of trust and interaction is highlighted in Matthew 7:7, where Jesus urges His followers to approach God with the confidence of a child asking their father for what they need: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” These simple yet powerful words reveal a model for prayer that emphasizes persistence, faith, and deep relationships.
This verse provides more than just a guide for prayer—it speaks to the nature of our relationship with God. It builds on the knowledge Jesus shared with His disciples in Matthew 6, where He teaches them to speak to “their Father in heaven.” Like a loving parent, God invites us to present our needs before Him, whether through simple requests, earnest searching, or persistent knocking. In each case, we are assured that God hears, responds, and opens doors according to His perfect will.
In this article, we will explore Matthew 7:7 and the concept of “Ask, Seek, and Knock.” While it may initially appear as a repetition of the same idea using different words, we will dive deeper into the meaning behind these specific terms, asking God to grant us insight into how they can enhance our prayer life. Prayer is indeed an art, and it is essential that we continually learn how to refine this art, making it more intentional and meaningful in our relationship with God the Father.
Understanding the Context of Matthew 7:7-9
Matthew 7:7-9 is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, a cornerstone of Christian teaching that addresses everything from righteous living to how believers should relate to one another and to God. In this sermon, which starts in Matthew chapter 6, Jesus offers deep wisdom on topics like humility, love for others, and trust in God’s provision. He challenges societal norms, calling for a life of righteousness that goes beyond mere outward observance of religious laws and focuses on the transformation of the heart.
The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the need for purity of intent, illustrating that true discipleship is not just about actions but about aligning one’s heart with God’s will. Jesus also teaches on topics such as forgiveness, the importance of peacemaking, and the blessing of enduring persecution for the sake of righteousness.
In Matthew 7:7-9, Jesus shifts His focus to prayer, showing how prayer is not just a spiritual exercise but a vital part of the believer’s relationship with God. This passage connects with the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-15, where Jesus teaches His disciples to address God as “our Father.” This designation of God as Father underscores the nature of our relationship with Him—one of trust, intimacy, and confidence. Within this broader context, Matthew 7:7-9 stands as an invitation to approach God boldly and persistently. Jesus shows that prayer is not just a religious duty, but a powerful expression of trust and dependence on God. Through prayer, believers are invited into a closer, more personal relationship with their Creator, learning to rely on His wisdom and timing. The Sermon, with its emphasis on trust in God’s provision, sets the stage for this teaching on prayer, reminding us that our Heavenly Father is both willing and able to meet the needs of His children when they approach Him in faith.
In Matthew 7:7, Jesus introduces the concepts of asking, seeking, and knocking as a progression in prayer. These three actions represent different levels of engagement and persistence, leading to a deeper relationship with God. While “ask” implies making simple petitions to God, “seek” represents a more earnest pursuit, and “knock” suggests perseverance in prayer despite obstacles. The passage assures us that God, in His perfect wisdom and timing, responds to every prayer that is presented in faith.
The Concept of Asking
When Jesus commands us to “ask,” He is referring to the most basic level of prayer—making requests or petitions before God. This act of asking is rooted in humility and dependence on God’s provision. We approach God as children, acknowledging our need for His help, guidance, and blessings.
The act of asking is simple yet profound. It is an acknowledgment of our spiritual poverty and the fact that we are entirely reliant on God. In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those who ask in prayer are like beggars, approaching God with empty hands, asking Him to fill them with what is needed.
In asking, we are called to present our desires to God, whether they are related to physical needs, spiritual growth, or direction in life. God encourages us to ask because He is a loving Father who delights in providing for His children. Just as a father responds to his child’s request for bread, so too does God respond to the sincere petitions of His children. Asking also reflects faith—we believe that God hears and that He is able to provide what we need.
It is interesting to note that the concept of asking appears frequently throughout the Bible. God invites us to ask of Him, as He did with Solomon when He said, “Ask what I shall give thee,” and with Ahaz, “Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.” In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces this idea, stating, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22), among other verses. Jesus’ promise is clear—we will receive what we ask for in faith. Yet, this leads to a common question: why do so many prayers seem to go unanswered?
James 4:3 provides insight: “Ye have not because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” Similarly, 1 John 5:14 emphasizes that our confidence in prayer is rooted in alignment with God’s will: “This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” These scriptures reveal two essential principles. First, we are commanded to ask—prayer is the means by which we present our needs before God. Second, we must ensure that our requests align with God’s will, seeking what is pleasing in His sight rather than what merely fulfills our personal desires. When our prayers reflect His will, we can trust that He hears and answers them according to His perfect wisdom.
The Concept of Seeking
The second level of prayer is “seeking.” While asking involves making requests, seeking goes a step further and requires active pursuit. When we seek, we are looking for something of great value, something we deeply desire to find. In the context of prayer, seeking reflects our earnest desire for a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His will for our lives. As mentioned in the previous section, the assurance of answered prayers often hinges on our alignment with God’s will. This is where seeking becomes essential: it is in this second level of prayer that we become intimately engaged with God’s Word to discern His will concerning the issues we are praying about.
Seeking requires effort and dedication. It is not a passive activity but an intentional and persistent search for God’s presence, His answers, and His direction. Jeremiah 29:13 echoes this truth, stating, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Similarly, Deuteronomy 4:29 affirms, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” These verses emphasize that seeking is a deliberate and wholehearted pursuit of God, an act of devotion that involves our entire being.
We seek God through various means. David’s words in 1 Chronicles 22:19, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God,” show that seeking is not only about personal spiritual growth but also about contributing to the building of God’s Kingdom. We seek Him by studying Scripture, immersing ourselves in worship, and being attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Seeking may also involve waiting on God, listening for His voice, and exercising patience as we await His answers. Ultimately, it reflects a deep desire to know God more intimately and to align our lives with His purposes. Those who seek will find, because God promises to reveal Himself to those who earnestly search for Him.
The Concept of Knocking
The final step in the progression of prayer is “knocking.” Knocking represents persistence and perseverance in prayer, particularly when we encounter obstacles or delays in receiving answers. It involves continuing to approach God even when it seems like doors are closed or we are met with silence.
Knocking requires both faith and determination. In Acts 14:27, Paul and Barnabas report how “He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” This metaphor illustrates the concept of knocking as an act of endurance, where we persist in prayer even when answers are not immediate. The Bible offers numerous examples of persistent prayer, such as the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. In this parable, Jesus encourages His followers to “always pray and not give up,” highlighting the importance of perseverance.
When we knock, we engage in spiritual wrestling—pleading with God, standing on His promises, and refusing to give up until the door is opened. Knocking teaches us the value of perseverance in prayer, reminding us that God’s timing is perfect. Though answers may not come when we expect, they will arrive at the right time. In Revelation, Jesus promises the church in Philadelphia that He will open doors that no one can shut and close doors that no one can open, underscoring His sovereign control over opportunities and outcomes.
God's Response: The Triple Assurance of Success
Matthew 7:8 provides believers with a triple assurance of success: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” These promises from Jesus are not empty words but a reflection of God’s faithfulness to answer prayer. God responds to our prayers because He is a loving and wise Father. His answers may not always come in the form we expect—sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes “wait,” and sometimes “no”—but every response is rooted in His perfect wisdom and care for us. Just as a father would not give his child a stone when he asks for bread, God only gives good things to His children.
This passage reassures us that God listens to our prayers and responds in the way that is best for us. He knows what we need better than we do, and even His denials are given in love to protect us from harm. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,” providing more than we could ever imagine.
Application: How to Approach Prayer with Faith and Persistence
Prayer is both a command and a privilege for believers. Jesus instructs us to pray regularly, sincerely, and persistently, assuring us that God hears and responds to our prayers. The progression from asking to seeking to knocking illustrates a deepening faith and a more profound engagement with God.
To apply these principles in our lives, we must first approach prayer with unwavering faith, trusting in God’s goodness and perfect timing. We should confidently ask for our needs, earnestly seek Him with all our hearts, and knock persistently at His door until He provides an answer. Prayer is not a one-time event but a continuous, lifelong practice of presenting our desires, questions, and needs before God.
Additionally, our prayers must align with God’s will, acknowledging that His plans and purposes far exceed our own. As we engage in prayer, we grow in spiritual maturity, learning to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. Ultimately, prayer is an art that demands ongoing practice, patience, and persistence. Through this journey, we draw closer to God, becoming more attuned to His voice and discerning His will.
Conclusion
Prayer is both a command and a privilege, central to our relationship with God. Jesus instructs us to pray with regularity, sincerity, and persistence, and the progression from asking to seeking to knocking illustrates a deepening faith and commitment. We must approach God with unwavering faith, boldly asking for our needs, earnestly seeking Him with our whole hearts, and persistently knocking even when answers seem delayed. Aligning our prayers with God’s will is crucial, as His plans are always better than our own. Through ongoing practice, patience, and perseverance in prayer, we grow in spiritual maturity, drawing closer to God and becoming more attuned to His voice and guidance.
