by Pam Uher

Created on: March 12, 2010

Many Christians wonder what this short passage from the book of Matthew is really is saying?  In this seventh chapter of the Book of Matthew, Jesus is bringing to a close the "Sermon on the Mount".

The New Living Translation Bible (2007) reads Matthew 7:7 as saying:

 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you".

This is a simple invitation given by Jesus to all people to begin their spiritual quest  for purpose, fullfillment  and meaning by starting with prayer. The search for the answers to what we need, want and answers to critical turning points or crisis are found through diligent prayer. From the humble posture of  prayerful moments spent on bent knees many seekers have received vivid answers of hope and at other times a resounding no when one door shuts, but another opens to a new possibility. Jesus also gives a promise to those who seek diligently that they will find great rewards as a result of their seeking.

Remember you are like a traveller asking for guidance, while traversing your way through a new land. If you do not ask you may stay lost for many days, months or years. But, when you diligently take the time to pray and are specific in your prayers, you will find answers.

Your earnest seeking through a consistent practice of  prayer will enhance the value of your journey and course of your life. Everyone who prays and seeks with an earnest heart will receive - rich or poor, young or old, male or female, educated or not educated and no matter your station in life. All people can be seekers and are welcome through grace to ask the Lord to grant them mercy and fulfill their needs.

The Lord is our spiritual parent, always waiting and available to hear our prayers and respond to our needs, wants and desire. We should know that this parent is all knowing and wise, unlike our earthly parents. What we receive from the Lord may not be exactly what we think we want or need at the moment it is given to us. Yet, in time we learn to acknowledge what we receive at various times throughout our life journey is exactly what we needed at that moment.

This simple passage is seen in Matthew as the call to prayer at the end of the Beatitudes. Then in the Book of Luke it follows The Lord's Prayer with the "promise" if diligent in prayer you will have answers to your prayers.

Jesus uses three metaphors to teach the significance of prayer : asking, seeking and knocking. Keep asking and keep asking, even if you do not see results quickly. Make your prayers relevant to the moments of time you are experiencing, thus seek and search out places and people who can help you receive answers to prayer. Learn how to be receptive to receiving answers from God, even when the answer may not be what you want or expect. And stay centered in the understanding that the "promise" that Jesus brings to us in answered prayer means you shall receive:

daily bread

daily forgiveness

daily protection from evil and temptation

unconditional love.

The scripture is saying Jesus wants us to remember and understand that prayer should be a daily, active, persistent and humble part of our journey on earth. Active prayer is a process of asking questions and searching for the answers. Learning how to stand and be still as you listen, becoming receptive to answers you may not expect or that take time to receive and knowing when to engage other spiritual mentors for help is all part of the process. Active prayer should be a way of life.

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