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Matthew 7:7–8 – “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

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Introduction

One of the most comforting and powerful promises given to every believer is found in the words of Jesus: Ask, seek, knock. These words are not mere suggestions; they are divine instructions that reveal the heart of God toward His children. They show us that our heavenly Father is approachable, generous, and willing to respond to the cries of His people. Yet, many believers struggle with prayer, often wondering if God hears them or if their requests matter. In this message, we will explore what it means to ask, to seek, and to knock, and how each of these actions leads us into a deeper relationship with God.

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1. The Call to Ask

James 4:2 – “Ye have not, because ye ask not.”

The first step in this divine invitation is to ask. Asking represents prayer—bringing our requests, needs, and desires before God. Too often, believers carry burdens in silence, thinking that God already knows, so why should they pray? While it is true that God knows all things, He desires that we bring our petitions before Him in faith.

When we ask, we acknowledge our dependence on Him. Asking is a confession that we cannot do it on our own. It is an act of humility, laying down our pride and admitting that we need His help. Jesus Himself encouraged His disciples to ask:

John 16:24 – “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

Notice that asking is not just about getting what we want, but about receiving what God has prepared so that our joy may be complete in Him. Believers must therefore cultivate the habit of asking in faith, without doubt, trusting that God is both willing and able to respond.

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2. The Call to Seek

Jeremiah 29:13 – “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Asking is the beginning, but seeking takes us deeper. To seek is not just to make a request but to actively pursue God’s will, presence, and purpose. Seeking involves diligence, persistence, and a heart that refuses to be satisfied with anything less than God Himself.

Seeking is more than seeking for blessings; it is about seeking the Blesser. It is about desiring intimacy with God above everything else. Too many believers stop at asking for material things, but those who seek after God discover treasures beyond measure—peace, wisdom, joy, and eternal satisfaction.

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

When we seek Him first, the rest follows naturally. To seek is to make God the priority of our lives, to hunger and thirst for His presence as David did when he declared:

Psalm 27:4 – “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”

Believers who seek God with all their hearts find Him, for He delights in revealing Himself to those who earnestly desire Him.

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3. The Call to Knock

Revelation 3:8 – “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”

The final part of Jesus’ instruction is to knock. Knocking represents persistence and faith in action. It speaks of opportunity, access, and determination. While asking is verbal and seeking is internal, knocking is external—it is the step of faith that pushes doors and expects them to open.

In the natural, when we knock at a door, we are waiting for it to be opened by someone inside. Spiritually, when we knock, we are declaring that we believe God is behind the door, ready to respond. Knocking requires consistency; sometimes the door may not open at the first attempt, but a persistent believer continues until it does.

Luke 18:1 – “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Jesus illustrated this with the parable of the persistent widow who kept knocking at the judge’s door until she received justice (Luke 18:2–5). God is not like the unjust judge; He is loving and kind. Yet, He honors persistence because it demonstrates faith and endurance. To knock is to declare, “Lord, I believe the door will open because You promised it would.”

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4. God’s Assurance to Believers

Matthew 7:8 – “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

What a wonderful assurance! God does not leave His people in uncertainty. He promises results: those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and those who knock will have doors opened to them. This shows the faithfulness of God. He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). When He makes a promise, He fulfills it.

However, we must also understand that God’s answers come in different forms. Sometimes He says Yes, sometimes No, and sometimes Wait. His timing and wisdom are perfect, and His answers always serve our good (Romans 8:28). The key is to keep trusting Him regardless of how He answers, knowing that He is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children.

Matthew 7:11 – “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

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5. A Life of Continuous Asking, Seeking, and Knocking

The believer’s journey is not a one-time event but a continuous process of asking, seeking, and knocking. Each stage brings us closer to God. As we ask, we grow in dependence on Him. As we seek, we grow in intimacy with Him. As we knock, we grow in perseverance and faith.

This threefold command teaches us persistence. It is not enough to pray once and give up; we are to keep pressing in until we see God’s hand at work. It also teaches us progression—asking leads to seeking, and seeking leads to knocking. Each step draws us deeper into fellowship with the Father.

Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

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Conclusion

Beloved, Jesus has given us the golden key to unlock heaven’s resources—ask, seek, knock. The Father’s heart is open toward His children, and He delights in answering those who approach Him in faith. Do not allow doubt, fear, or delay to stop you. Keep asking until you receive. Keep seeking until you find. Keep knocking until the door is opened.

Remember, this is not just about receiving blessings, but about drawing closer to the Giver. As you ask, seek, and knock, may your relationship with God deepen, your faith strengthen, and your joy overflow.

Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

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