“I
tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.”
Luke 11:9-10
Luke 11 [5.] He said to them, “Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,’ and he from within will answer and say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you’? I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.
Luke 11 [9.] “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Luke 11 [11.] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Meaning:
At its core, these verses convey the importance of persistence and faith in prayer. Jesus uses the imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking to illustrate the attitude and posture his disciples should adopt in their prayer life.
- Persistence in Prayer:
Jesus encourages his followers to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. This suggests a continual and persistent approach to prayer, rather than a one-time request. It reflects a deep trust in God's faithfulness and provision, knowing that He hears and responds to the prayers of His people.
- Confidence in God's Provision:
Jesus assures his disciples that everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. This highlights the faithfulness and generosity of God in responding to the prayers of His children. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He desires to bless and provide for them.
- Relationship with God:
These verses also emphasize the relational aspect of prayer. Asking, seeking, and knocking imply an active engagement with God, a desire to know Him more deeply, and a willingness to surrender to His will. Prayer is not merely about making requests but about cultivating a deeper relationship with the One who hears and answers.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar teachings on the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God's provision. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus uses similar language to encourage his followers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that they will receive, find, and have the door opened to them.
Furthermore, in Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul urges believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, knowing that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This passage underscores the importance of prayer as a means of experiencing God's peace and presence in our lives.
As we reflect on Luke 11:9-10, we are reminded of the invitation and promise that Jesus extends to his followers: the invitation to come to God in prayer with persistence and faith, and the promise that He will respond according to His wisdom and goodness. These verses encourage us to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, characterized by trust, persistence, and intimacy with God.
In our personal lives, Luke 11:9-10 challenges us to examine our own prayer habits and attitudes. Are we approaching God with persistence and faith, trusting in His provision and guidance? Are we seeking to deepen our relationship with Him through prayer, knowing that He desires to draw near to us and reveal Himself to us?
Ultimately, Luke 11:9-10 reminds us that prayer is not simply a religious duty but a privilege and a means of experiencing God's presence and provision in our lives. May we, as followers of Christ, heed His invitation to ask, seek, and knock, knowing that He is faithful to hear and answer our prayers according to His will.
blessing - prayer - team
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible