Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-12)
Jesus offers us an attractive picture of God: a loving parent, eager to give his children all that they need. Think for a few moments about this image of a loving God. How true is this image to your own experience of God? When you have asked, searched, and knocked, has God’s response always been positive? You might recall both times when it has, but also times when God hasn’t seemed to respond to your requests. Perhaps you are searching and knocking even harder during this difficult time.
Sometimes even a good parent won’t give what they’re asked for. Might that fact add something to the deeper understanding or prayer that we are seeking here?
Read this passage again in the context of your own experience of giving, or not giving, to those who ask you for things. Why not respond now to Jesus as he suggests, asking for whatever you most need in your own life at the present time?
- Adapted from Pray As You Go.
