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“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Mt 7:7; Lk 11:9
The Amplified Version of the Bible translates the verse this way, “Ask and keep on asking…Seek and keep on seeking…Knock and keep on knocking…” The purpose, goal or point is to require or demand something that is due because of relationship family/friend or redemptive rights. You have rights to an inheritance in the Kingdom or Family of God and the way to receive them is through prayer. Prayer is a privilege but it is also work that is well worth the effort it requires.
Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying for three hours (could ye not tarry with Me one hour x 3). We also know by the scriptures that Jesus would pray all night, early in the morning, and during the course of the day as well. The length of time may have varied but prayer was high priority with Jesus.
The first letters of Ask, Seek, Knock spell ASK. Jesus is saying it is the will of God that we ask Him for the things that we need to live the life He has called us to. When we ask, we receive. We ask for what we desire and we receive it from the Father. We have not because we ask not. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us and grants the petition. Selfish desires conceived out of lust are not granted. Asking with doubt or unbelief in your heart is nullified – don’t expect anything from God. Asking is key. To ask is to demand something that is due.
Seeking implies looking for something. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jesus says when we seek we will find. Seeking involves prayer. Whether we’re searching for answers, or understanding, wisdom, knowledge, or the very Presence of God, the promise is “we will find”. God requires us to search with our whole or all our heart. Your heart has eyes and ears.
Knocking implies desperation, necessity, a sense of urgency. The Word of God specifically tells us to be anxious/careful for nothing (see Phil 4:6). Jesus said don’t worry/take no thought (see Mt 6:31-34). What are we to do? Seek first the Kingdom (understand God’s will and His way); in all things by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God. Turn worry, fear and anxiety into a Knock! We get peace and answered prayer. The more intense things are, the more we Knock! It is not that God is deaf, stubborn or unjust – He’s GOOD! He requires a Knock!
Knock with importunity! Knock unashamedly, unflinchingly, and with impudence. Knock! Knock! Knock! Open that door!
“These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…” Rev 3:7-8
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