“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Believers are familiar with the Bible verse that emphasizes asking, seeking, and knocking, which all pertain to prayer.

Prayer is a discipline that reveals different stages as one prays more deeply—asking, seeking, and knocking. No one is naturally endowed with a gift for prayer; it requires a deliberate effort to forsake distractions and commit to prayer, thereby gaining spiritual maturity.

Asking is often the initial stage where believers present a multitude of requests to God. This stage is common, with many focusing on asking for money, a life partner, a job, favor, or children. While these requests are not inherently wrong, believers are encouraged to move beyond mere asking and engage in deeper seeking in prayer.

Seeking represents a more intense and intimate level of prayer. At this stage, individuals travail in prayer, seeking to understand God’s mind on various matters. It involves discovering one’s purpose and God’s will. Jesus emphasized, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” signifying that in seeking, personal desires become secondary to God’s plans, counsel, guidance, and will. Seeking requires strength, fasting, and persistent prayer until one finds clarity.

Knocking grants access to a deeper spiritual understanding. At this level, believers recognize that everything they need is already provided by their Heavenly Father. It is a spiritual state where one confidently knows that God has made abundant provisions, and all that is required is to access them.

Remaining in the asking stage limits self-discovery and understanding of God’s plans. Prioritizing seeking God in prayer is essential for truly knowing oneself and God’s purpose.

Prayer:

Father, I want to know You more. Teach me Your ways, reveal Your will to me, and guide me through life in Jesus name. Amen.