A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

ASK – SEEK – KNOCK       

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.” 

In today’s devotional verses Jesus uses three imperative verbs, “Ask,” “seek,” and “knock” to encourage you to pray to your heavenly Father. In asking your Father, you are wanting an answer in regard to a situation in your life or that of another, or that He would give you needed information. When you seek you are again wanting God to give you an answer but your request is a bit more intense. Finally, when you knock you have the image of a closed door that you want opened to admit you into a building. Knocking is even more vigorous than seeking which is more vigorous than asking. 

With each of the three verbs Jesus speaks in the future tense. When you ask it will be given to you; when you seek, you will find; and, when you knock the door will be opened to you. These two verses echo the words of Psalm 34:9, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who seeks refuge in Him!” Jesus encourages you to pray with the assurance and promise that your Heavenly Father will give you the good things that you need. (See Luke 11:11-13) 

The hymn writer encourages you to pray daily, “Let each day begin with prayer, praise and adoration; On the Lord cast every care, He is thy salvation.” Several verses later the hymn writer wrote, “If thy task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing, Safely then thy course will run, Naught thy soul distressing. Good will follow everywhere While thou here must wander. . .” The hymn concludes, “ . . . May Thy will be done, I ask, Until life is ended. Jesus, in Thy name begun Be the day’s endeavor; Grant that it may well be done To Thy praise forever.” (TLH 540) 

Prayer: Lord, hear my prayers for Jesus’ sake. Amen.