GRACE OF ASKING AND RECEIVING

The LORD JESUS CHRIST made a profound promise regarding prayer in Matthew 7:7-8, which I describe as the grace of asking and receiving. He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened” (NKJV).

This statement from the LORD JESUS demonstrates that asking in prayer is the first step toward receiving answers from God. When we ask, we receive. It is reassuring to hear Him say this, as it emphasizes that we should ask in faith, with the right motives and attitudes to receive from God.

Some people ask God for things they do not truly desire, while others approach Him with a limited perspective. God is infinite; He can do far more than we can ask or imagine in prayers. Approaching Him with a narrow mindset is like going to an ocean with a teaspoon—it's better to come with a bucket, as God's grace and love are boundless.

THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER

The essence of prayer is to receive answers because God answers prayers. Consider what you want to ask God before you pray, because you will receive it. Do not give up simply because you have asked once and have not yet received an answer. Human experience shows it is better to ask multiple times than to lose hope after a single attempt. Therefore, we must be persistent in our prayers. 

In Matthew 7:7-8, the LORD JESUS used the Greek present imperatives to emphasize the importance of ongoing prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking. The Amplified version states:

Scripture Reference:

“Ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who keeps asking, receives, and he who keeps seeking finds, and to him who keeps knocking, it will be opened.”

(The Aplified Version)

In the above passage, the LORD JESUS teaches us to be persistent and urgent in our requests, to keep pleading with God, and to ask Him repeatedly for the things we desire. Following God’s example of persistence in prayer aligns us with His counsel and purpose. What God seeks from us is communion. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT ENERGIZES OUR SPIRIT NOT TO GIVE UP IN PRAYER

Persistence in prayer mirrors how the HOLY SPIRIT intercedes for us. In addition to interceding, the HOLY SPIRIT energizes our spirit and encourages us not to give up in prayer. He instills in us the desire for things that align with God's Word and will. He helps us be patient and await the answers to our prayers (see 1 John 5:14-15).

Let us pray,

Heavenly FATHER, I thank You for the grace of asking and receiving in prayer. Thank You for the promise of answers when I pray according to Your will. I ask the HOLY SPIRIT to enegize my spirit to pray and help me to wait patiently until I receive answers to my prayers in JESUS' Name. Amen!

JESUS REIGNS

KEMI-RICH RAJI