The phrase "ask and it will be given to you" is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 7:7. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings by Jesus that spans chapters 5 through 7 of Matthew. The full verse reads: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, ESV). This passage is a profound teaching on the nature of prayer and the character of God in response to our prayers.
In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. The sermon covers a wide range of topics, from the Beatitudes to the Lord's Prayer, and it underscores the ethical and spiritual standards expected of His followers. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer and the assurance of God's responsiveness.
The verse is often interpreted as an encouragement for believers to actively engage in prayer. The use of "ask," "seek," and "knock" suggests an increasing intensity and persistence in prayer. "Ask" implies a simple request, "seek" suggests a deeper pursuit, and "knock" indicates perseverance and determination. This progression signifies that prayer is not just about making requests but involves earnest seeking and persistent effort.
The promise that follows—"it will be given to you; you will find; it will be opened to you"—reveals the generous and loving nature of God. Jesus assures His followers that God is attentive to their needs and desires to provide for them. This assurance is further elaborated in the subsequent verses, where Jesus explains the nature of God as a loving Father: "Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:9-11, ESV).
This teaching emphasizes that God, as our Heavenly Father, knows how to give good gifts to His children. The analogy of a parent providing for their child highlights the trust and confidence we can have in God's provision. It reassures believers that God is not indifferent to their needs and that He responds with love and generosity.
However, it is crucial to understand that this promise does not imply that God will grant every request exactly as we ask. The context of the Sermon on the Mount and the broader teachings of Scripture suggest that God's answers to prayer are aligned with His will and purpose. In 1 John 5:14-15, we find a complementary teaching: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." This passage underscores the importance of aligning our prayers with God's will.
Furthermore, the Apostle James provides additional insight into the nature of prayer and the reasons why some prayers may go unanswered. In James 4:2-3, he writes, "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." This highlights the importance of examining our motives in prayer. Selfish desires and impure motives can hinder our prayers, and thus, it is essential to approach God with a humble and sincere heart.
The teaching of "ask and it will be given to you" also invites believers to trust in God's timing and wisdom. God's perspective is infinitely greater than ours, and He knows what is ultimately best for us. There are times when God's answer to our prayers may be "yes," "no," or "wait." Each response is an expression of His perfect love and wisdom. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to trust His timing and His plan for our lives.
In addition to personal prayer, this teaching also has communal implications. Jesus' instruction to "ask, seek, and knock" invites the community of believers to support one another in prayer. In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus speaks about the power of collective prayer: "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." This highlights the importance of praying together as a community and the assurance of Christ's presence among us.
The practice of persistent prayer is not merely about receiving answers but also about deepening our relationship with God. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God's heart, learn to depend on Him, and grow in faith and trust. The process of asking, seeking, and knocking transforms us, shaping our character and drawing us closer to God.
In conclusion, the phrase "ask and it will be given to you" found in Matthew 7:7 is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. It encourages us to approach God with confidence and persistence, trusting in His loving provision and perfect wisdom. While God's answers may not always align with our expectations, we can rest assured that He hears our prayers and responds according to His will and purpose. As we engage in the practice of prayer, we are invited into a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, who delights in giving good gifts to His children.
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