Matthew 7:7, commentary and pictures

Asking receives, seeking finds, and knocking opens the way to God. The threefold promise means exactly what it says and is positive, sure and without limitation for everyone who comes in faith and humility. God stands behind His word as a Father more willing to give good things than any earthly parent, giving liberally and above all giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Receiving calls for living faith that takes Him at His word without making feeling the test, with persistent asking, seeking and knocking that will not be turned aside by delay. He hears every sincere prayer but answers in His own time and way for the highest good, giving what is truly needed rather than what would harm.

Words and Sermon Setting

The verse gives a threefold assurance that those who ask receive, those who seek find, and those who knock have the way opened to them. It is addressed personally to the hearer to be believed, and may be expected as the basis for seeking God and trusting His response, with the following verses explaining that the Father gives good things to those who ask Him. Asking, seeking, and knocking describe prayer as an ever-open source of help, a pattern of persistent appeal to be used especially when difficulties, trials, and opposition arise in God's work. Knocking means seeking an audience with God and waiting at the door of mercy for admission to His presence and close communion, with firm assurance that He invites, welcomes, and opens the way.

Seeking means desiring God Himself, not merely His blessings, and those who seek Him will find Him. The desire to come is the drawing of His Spirit to be yielded to, for God seeks the seeker and Christ pleads for the tempted, erring, and faithless to bring them into companionship with Himself. Asking is illustrated by a man asking for bread to provide for a traveler who has arrived at his home, as part of prayer. Unlike the selfish neighbor in the parable, God is compassionate and delights to give, and He gives to those who ask so they can minister to others and become like Him.

The verse belongs to the Sermon on the Mount, whose plain and simple words people of every level of learning can understand. That sermon provides a sure foundation for faith and practice, spoken with authority as words of eternal life, and includes pure gospel explaining God's holy law and setting a standard of right and holy conduct. It was taught where words could reach the understanding of people from many backgrounds, including those in ignorance and error, urging all who would come to receive blessing. In that sermon Christ disappointed hopes of worldly greatness and political freedom, and taught instead the principles of the kingdom of divine grace.

He gave a right conception of His kingdom and His own character to undo false education, without directly attacking the errors of the people and without setting out their wretchedness from sin in vivid detail, but teaching something infinitely better than they had known. He told the conditions of entrance into the kingdom of God and left hearers to draw their own conclusions about its nature, stating in this verse one of the foundation principles of the kingdom as important now as to the multitude on the hillside. The sermon contradicted the doctrines of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees and opposed their theories and practice, sweeping away misrepresentation of God as a stern judge incapable of compassion, mercy, and love. It restores confidence in the love of God by presenting Him as Our Father in His true relation and paternal love, and by leading men to the throne of God by a new and living way.

The seventh chapter of Matthew is to be studied most critically again and again by ministers and church members for personal enlightenment, and not to prove supposed faults discerned in others. Every word of that chapter is to be studied as for life, so that the work is first done in the believer's own heart and he knows the work given him to reach lost souls. Its principles are to be practiced by all who work in a publishing house, and those who earnestly study its teaching can gain valuable experience as ministers of righteousness. The verse means to search the pages of the Word of God, which testify of Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It gives conditions to be met to receive the eternal life secured by the death of the Son of God, applying to seeking promised eternal life and to coming in weakness trusting He will do what He has said, so that if the needed blessing is lacking the failure is in not coming with faith.

Access through asking, seeking, and knocking no longer depends on Jewish forms and ceremonies, because Christ Himself fulfills their purpose and serves as the way to God. Christ standing on earth in place of the temple, in whom all Jewish ceremony and typical service finds its fulfillment, calls sinners to come straight to Himself without forms and ceremonies. Asking, seeking, and knocking places the sinful human agent at the footstool of mercy under a spiritual priesthood, showing that ritual service is passing away and possesses no virtue, and that faith that works by love is the qualification for the kingdom. He urged prayer so His disciples would commune with God, the same source from which He in His humanity received strength and power, and those who come to the footstool of mercy are sure to receive the gifts God knows are best.

Certainty and Scope of Promise

The threefold assurance leaves no room for unbelief or misunderstanding, for it means exactly what it says: those who ask receive, those who seek find, and those who knock have the way opened to them. It is positive, sure, valuable, infallible and never-failing, to be believed as read and trusted without doubt, fearfulness, despondency, despair or disbelief. Christ promises nothing He does not perform, fulfilling it as Light of the world pointing to the Way, the Truth and the Life, and as Bread of life daily imparting spiritual food to hungry souls.

God stands behind His promises and eagerly invites free approach without fear of wearying Him, holding Himself responsible to hear and never failing His Word nor falsifying Himself. He desires to give the blessings of grace and bring people into close fellowship, and these words continue with force after they were spoken. The living and reigning Jesus works for those prayed for, and as Advocate, great High Priest and representative before the Father He secures through mediation everything faith claims, so trembling doubting souls should look to His loving face, uplift the soul heavenward daily and claim without letting the enemy weaken faith.

The promise is certain and without limitation, of greater worth than all worldly riches, unrestricted with no one able to shut the door God opens, supplying what pertains to life and godliness. No spiritual condition excludes anyone who desires the things of God; all may come in faith and humility, bring it to Christ and claim it with confidence that it will be fulfilled and that no sincere comer will be disappointed. Even awareness of sinfulness and spiritual poverty need not bar seeking eternal life, since Christ paid redemption's price and wants it received, and the promise itself is evidence He hears; He invites freely without payment because compassionate and rich in grace.

The promise is personal and individual, addressed to the hearer to believe and belonging to each believer. It belongs to children, to the lowliest saint whose prayer is never disregarded, to the weakest saint equally with all others, and to people of every standing, color, nationality, strength and wealth without distinction, for God is Father to all and Jesus is Saviour. There is therefore no reason for hesitation, doubt, wavering, backsliding, gloom or despondency even in bodily weakness, but cause to begin where one is, take Christ at His word, talk increase of faith and exercise a living striving growing faith.

God is ready and willing to give what His children need, more merciful, tender, patient and loving than any earthly parent. As even flawed earthly fathers give good gifts and not a stone for bread or a serpent for fish, much more will the heavenly Father give good things, including the Holy Spirit, liberally and without reproach to those who feel lack of wisdom and desire to be taught and to walk in His way. The gifts flow freely from His own glory, virtue and generous giving nature, and weak faith fails only by not availing itself of these rich promises held out in endearing language and tenderest sympathy to give courage and confidence.

All are little children in His sight as dust of the balance regardless of age, learning, nobility, riches or honor, being but babes in knowledge and understanding. He knows helplessness and lack of righteousness, gives good things including the Holy Spirit in language so simple all can understand, and doubting Him in light of His infinite sacrifice to redeem the fallen and give eternal life is cruel.

Heaven is open and strength is given to every soul that lays hold on divine power, for the infinite God who never lies promises to give to all who ask, to be found by all who seek and to open to all who knock. Prayer in Christ's name at His baptism opened the way through Satan's shadow for fallen prayers, the believer is accepted in the Beloved through Christ the Advocate presenting the petition before the Father while the Spirit pleads within, and Christ mingles it with the fragrant incense of His own righteousness so it ascends with power. Feeling unheard never proves He does not hear, and unbelief keeps one from recognizing the blessing, so everything little and large is to be brought, telling just how difficulties feel and saying You promised and I believe.

God's pledged word cannot fail and His love is measureless, abundantly answering humble grateful hearts. His treasure-house of help is continually available and never exhausted, He has a never-failing supply, and He draws near through His Word, promises and Spirit to encourage, hear and save those who come for strength, counsel and direction.

God invites with complete pardon even when human advantages are missed, requiring believing fully with heart receiving and rejoicing. He longs to give more than has been asked and gives freely and liberally so no sincere seeker is disappointed, hearing even the inaudible desire amid distraction. He provides grace, love, peace and rich blessing to those who ask, and His people should look to Him rather than depend on burdened uncertain humans.

The promise rests on One who never fails, giving comfort, spiritual strengthening and renewed physical strength to humble contrite hearts who serve with undivided affections and are kept by Him. It brings rest and peace through communion with Christ and opening of the rich treasures of His grace to everyone who knocks.

As part of God's plan the natural works with the supernatural and His laws do not prevent free action. He grants in answer to prayer what He would not grant if not asked, while probation lasts age after age and century after century He waits to hear asking and knocking. Release from Satan's bondage comes only by human consent as He waits to be gracious, forgive sins, receive every contrite soul and impart the bright beams of His righteousness, supplying the needy soul by simple trusting childlike faith in God as Father through Jesus as Saviour who understands needs and is not indifferent to desire for His love and presence.

The Father knows human deformity by sin and weakness and Satan's striving to control passions. So He sent Christ to break every yoke and set a perfect example to copy, and the invitation is certain of receiving help to follow the Shepherd, obey and gain heaven worth everything, with final reward according to works when the Son comes in glory, and with help against corruption available to sincere souls who come for a future home with no disappointment, sin, enemy or outburst of passion.

God is Father to all and Jesus is Saviour, and those who trust Christ seek help from Him and receive what they ask. The living and reigning Jesus works for those prayed for, His promises are verity and truth to be clung to in continuing trust without letting the enemy weaken faith, and by laying hold on them with all heaven's treasures at command in the gift of Christ believers walk in His footsteps leaving no excuse for despondency.

Believers may draw near with confidence bringing God's own word, assured of welcome and provision for salvation. Asking, seeking and knocking express confident persistent prayer without doubt that God gives, allows finding and opens the way, through Christ the living Way consecrated by His own blood by whom communication stays open. This is grounded in the risen Saviour's atonement and Advocate work in heaven, and Christ abides by the Spirit so bodily absence does not interrupt communion or diminish power, enabling daily religious experience and obedience.

The promise supports confidence that Christ has not abandoned earth, providing care through physicians and helpers. The heavenly Father is willing and gracious to all callers, giving hope and courage in difficulty, grace when asked, wisdom and grace to humble earnest seekers, and never failing to give rich blessings of grace to those who ask in faith.

Asking receives, seeking finds and knocking opens for guidance repeatedly proved faithful when sought again and again for light and knowledge. It holds for keeping by divine power, for pressing forward in faith, for freedom to the helpless soul who believes for self, and for accomplishing by faith what human power and planning cannot as God carries His work forward. God gives what is asked and is the only hope to be trusted for heavenly wisdom, and by faith seekers may draw from Jesus wisdom, presence, light and power with simple faith, confiding troubles without disheartenment.

Faith Conditions for Receiving

Faith means taking God at His word and trusting that He will do what He has promised, without requiring powerful emotion or joyful feeling, for feeling is not faith and must not be made the criterion, nor is acceptance proved by a joyful feeling. The promise is to be believed with living, active faith and entire dependence like little children, with the helpless confidence of a child toward a parent, and asking without faith is sin, while without faith the blessing would not be recognized or appreciated when given. Unlimited faith in His immutable Word lifts out of difficulties and perplexities, for the Father knows human helplessness and lack of righteousness and will give good gifts and come in to fill the lack, so cases should be presented to Him frequently with belief that He will help because He said He will. Those who come with a child's trusting love may receive blessings and be saved, with receiving depending on complying with the conditions in His word and His pledged promise assuring the answer, taking the things asked for as received. The promise is rich and full and individual, that every one who asks receives, who seeks finds, and to who knocks it shall be opened, with the Father giving good things far more than evil earthly parents know how to give good gifts, applying to those who feel great spiritual need and hunger and thirst after righteousness as spiritual nourishment spread as a heavenly banquet and bread of heaven to feed the soul.

It is received by coming with the simplicity and confiding trust of a child expecting wants to be regarded and to receive what is really needed, continuing to pray with all perseverance, cutting away nurtured unbelief that bars the way and separates from the only One who can save, not doubting His Word but believing He will do what is desired, coming in humble trusting faith to receive grace and strength and good day by day from the Source of all power. No one is excluded from asking, but coming as a Father's child and acknowledging that relation requires having first sought His kingdom and righteousness, trusting His goodness, yielding in all things to His will knowing His love is changeless, and giving self to do His work. He sets no conditions except hungering for mercy, desiring counsel, and longing for love, for asking manifests realization of necessity, coming with true contrition is not presumption, feeling and knowing oneself a sinner is sufficient ground for mercy and compassion, and great need and utter helplessness are the argument to plead now and ever as making Him and His redeeming power a necessity. Asking in faith expresses recognition of spiritual need which Christ Himself creates and through the Spirit does for the sinner what the sinner cannot do alone, so none need become holy first but should ask for cleansing from all sin and purification from all iniquity, and asking for blessings needed to perfect character after His likeness asks according to a promise that will be verified because His pledged word cannot fail.

Receiving help calls for humility, firm dependence, and full surrender, then He cooperates and works as each case requires, opening opportunities to those who walk before Him in simplicity, with the promise embracing every need. Asking must be in faith with real expectation and not going on as though nothing will be received, and not to spend the answer on selfish pleasure, but soberly building a solid life by inquiring at every step whether Jesus would have that thing done and refusing to be swayed this way and that, since He is more willing to give power to remain steadfast than people are to ask. Seeking Him includes turning from sin, seeking His kingdom and righteousness, and obeying His law while asking for His help, with those who seek Him wholeheartedly and sincerely ready to receive His grace, keeping on asking in faith, trusting His promises and patiently relying on Him for spiritual blessings. Living must be in harmony with the request, for of self no one can be kind, true, courteous, and unselfish without the Spirit's help, but when that need is felt and asked for in faith the help will be given toward becoming like Christ in character, while asking for Christlike character and then scolding, fretting, or censuring works directly contrary and keeps Him from answering, and pardon and forgiveness are received only as pardon and forgiveness are given to others.

Asking for forgiveness softens the heart and leads to forgiving injurers, but prayer must be joined with watchfulness and a life whose thoughts, words, and actions accord with the petition for reformation, for sincere fervent prayer with expectation brings corresponding returns while empty words without earnest desire and faith avail nothing. Fervent believing prayer that places in close connection with Christ is duty and part under the covenant and those seeking are responsible for it, cooperating and seeking to do His will while trusting Him who knows what will best help for the answer, and He promises to answer and to be found by wholehearted seekers, but persistent sin and refusal to let Him remove transgression break the covenant and obstruct help. Increase of grace is given only on improving light already possessed, which requires asking to receive, going on continually seeking to find, and knocking to have the door opened, within merciful abundant provision since through Christ's merits every spiritual blessing in heavenly places has already been bestowed leaving nothing to ask outside it, requiring drawing near and abiding in His presence instead of remaining in union with common earthly things. Receiving, finding, and having doors opened require persistent seeking, asking, and knocking, with finding by keeping on seeking, receiving by asking, and opening by knocking, as earnest effort that is part of the condition for increased grace and pursuing holiness and for justification and sanctification and Christ's righteousness, which does not mean good works earn redemption, for works will not save even one soul yet it is impossible for even one to be saved without works.

Making grace one's own requires doing one's part faithfully by seeking to find and knocking to have it opened, working to keep the soul in His love and bringing forth fruit fit for repentance, for every provision for salvation has been made so responsibility rests on each person and if any is not saved it is his own fault, calling for coming at once without resisting the Spirit and laying hold on eternal life, with forgiveness promised to who repents and believes and the crown of life to who is faithful. Faith must cut through the enemy's shadow and when questioning doubt arises go to Him for encouragement by communion, resting on the Word with unwavering faith that what is asked is received because redemption purchased is complete, His offering plenteous and without stint, and heaven holds a never-failing supply for all needy, with those who ask and receive becoming co-laborers receiving bountifully all means of fruit-bearing and giving bountifully as workers under Him to glorify the Father by fruit borne. Grasping the promise requires a receiving faith that lays hold on Scripture words and does not let go, with faith received pressed home in decided forcible testimony, and then the blessing is given because He said so. Trusting Him and meeting His conditions makes believers a greater power for good, while unbelief with lack of faith and love and indifference leaves lukewarm in the Laodicean condition, and His promise of generous gifts rebukes weak uncertain faith, calling for simple unfaltering trust in Him whose storehouse holds every good thing for the upright, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Heaven is full of blessings waiting to be claimed by asking in faith, so there must be no negligence but pressing petitions to the throne with certainty that asking brings receiving, seeking finding, and knocking opening, with anointing of eyes for spiritual discernment, at least one special season of prayer each day for wisdom from heaven and counsel from One who never mistakes, and earnest faithful prayer obtaining wisdom and rich grace with Christ presiding in councils and deliberations and the Spirit for workers bearing responsibility in publishing and school work to build up and not tear down, for without faith the blessing would not be recognized. When the answer seems withheld it must not be hastily concluded that He does not hear, for the hindrance is Satan and evil angels casting a hellish shadow to cloud mind and heart and turn trust to everything and everybody but Him, so communion must be kept open to know Him and the fountain of living waters must not be left, with the promise taken at His word with full belief and pleaded back to Him for everything, little daily trials as well as large, nothing too small to carry, every difficulty laid open and told just as felt, including asking for grace to cut away hatred against anyone for whom Christ died and to be made a victor over sin, which victory will come rich and full and abundant to believers. Sincere purposeful prayer, not mocking, vain, or meaningless, by those who recognize need and ask believing as they ask that He gives, helps faith grow, edifies the community, strengthens the weak, and encourages the discouraged to look to Him as Rewarder of diligent seekers, bringing comfort and strength through asking personal needs in faith, relying on His word, and trusting He will answer according to promise.

Persistence and Manner of Prayer

When prayers seem unheard, discouragement is forbidden; the promise is to be presented to God with full trust while continuing to ask, seek, and knock, and He will show Himself as hearing and answering prayer. Earnest seeking for grace should expect to receive, with humility, prayer, and faith essential to receiving blessing. Asking is not to be done only once but kept up, for God may delay the answer to test faith and the genuineness of desire. Those who ask according to His word are to trust His promise with determination, and persistent asking makes the petitioner more earnest and increases desire for what is requested.

God promises to answer prayer continued with unwearying persistence pressing petitions to His throne and mercy seat, not prayer offered only once. Earnest intense prayer breathed in the name of Jesus carries pledge of answer exceedingly abundantly above all that can be asked or thought, when offered not only in His name but by the inspiration and kindling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit makes intercession within with groanings that cannot be uttered, and petitions offered in earnest faith reach the mercy seat. Apparent delay does not mean He has turned away or is indifferent, and the parables of the persistent widow and the friend asking at midnight teach claiming the promise with earnest persistent prayer rather than distrust. Confidence in God is shown by such persistence joined with good works, since faith without works is dead.

The widow asked, sought, and knocked repeatedly, but the unjust judge let her plead in vain from selfishness and arbitrary use of power. Her persistence at last moved him to act, not from justice or compassion but to protect his reputation and escape further trouble, illustrating continued seeking even when refused. Asking, seeking, and knocking express continued reliance on God, who is asked to provide what His servants need to advance His work and to move others to help. They are a pattern of persistent appeal especially when difficulties, trials, and opposition arise in His work, forming a threefold call to persist then. Needs in difficulty are to be taken to God in prayer and His promise pleaded.

Full confidence is invited, so every secret of the soul may be confided, the case presented and rested there, and asking continued until receiving, without ceasing to ask for large supplies. This calls for a constant prayerful life that does not offend by thought, word, or deed, guided by the Lord who reads all hearts rather than any unreliable human power, following One who devoted His whole life to save the perishing. As the disciples devoted themselves to most earnest prayer for ten days and received the promised Spirit like a mighty rushing wind filling the whole house with large numbers converted, so continued asking is to be maintained. Prayer must be active and earnest: pray, seek if finding is desired, knock if the door is to be opened, keeping communication between God and the soul open as a religious duty. When heart and voice are found to pray, answers are found, and even as few as six assembled are enough to claim the promise, with Father, Son, and holy angels present to witness faith and bring the outpouring of the Spirit with rich blessings.

Prayer is a sacred privilege and petition to the heavenly Father, not a penance, in which needy people may ask for the wisdom and grace only God can give, seek and find, knock and have the way opened. Receiving requires asking, finding requires seeking, and opening requires knocking, by finding heart and voice to pray, praying regularly three times a day, testifying before family, workmen, and brethren, exhorting one another, and not neglecting religious duties. Even a few assembled may claim the precious promises with Father, Son, and angels present, receiving the Spirit and rich blessings, walking in light and triumphing when tithes and time and strength of bone, brain, and muscle are brought into service. Victory depends on constant asking and receiving without ceasing even when prayers seem answered, for when God gives soul-hunger His grace accompanies it. Safety lies in distrust of self and unwavering trust, making partakers of the divine nature constantly receiving grace and imparting it to others, prepared by communing with thankfulness to go forth to any duty or trial, while self-sufficiency makes character imperfect, flimsy, and unreliable.

Daily prayer as His children with living active faith brings assurance and divine power, wisdom, and help, inviting asking, seeking, and persistent coming with assurance of answer, finding, and opening. Watching unto prayer morning, noon, and night is required not to fail in battle, letting the mind dwell on the Word to understand requirements and serving with full purpose of heart to become His in heart and mind. All who come for counsel in humility clinging to the promise with assurance receive the very help needed. Children and youth may bring burdens and perplexities and trust provision, praying in faith and contrition, persisting resolutely without waiting for special feelings or dictating how answer must come. They may leave the matter in the Father's hands to answer at the time and in the way for good, then live out prayers with humility and continued effort.

Everyone including children must come confidently and ask in trust, though needs are known before asking. The One who welcomes little ones will not reject their prayers but sends angels to guard and protect them and helps them do right, so they resist evil in His strength rather than their own. The promise belongs to children as well as adults, who should be taught to pray from babyhood and lift their voices in prayer, and as Maker He answers by making hearts happy and giving contentment and virtue, able to reshape even wrong tendencies transmitted by unwise parents. The promise is to be trusted and lived by, bringing light and grace into all works, requiring clean converted hearts and strengthened faith holding firmly until transforming grace is manifested and the divine character reflected. It belongs to simple direct daily prayer in which each soul states personal needs and gives individual thanks, not to long spiritless faithless prayers that are a burden.

In public prayer faith grasps the promise in direct fervent requests for grace for minister and hearers, rather than long sermonizing prayers. Prayer may rise at any time — in private, while walking, or during work — as the heart longs, for there is no unsuitable hour because He is always watchful. Every trouble and need may be brought with counsel sought, trusting infinite love to provide, and grace and understanding of truth may be asked in humble faith in order to give the bread of life to others, bringing further grace. Christ's presence may be continually sought and grace asked even while walking or doing ordinary duties, with free impartation and fulfillment of what is promised. Access remains open even with hands occupied, with assurance of answer to persistent seeking, while neglecting daily communion closes the heart and leads to mistakes and loss.

Every trouble is to be taken to the Lord in prayer instead of unloading burdens on neighbors who do not know heart sorrows, for unloading on others insults God and causes spiritual feebleness. Through His sacrifice those who ask are enabled to become partakers of the divine nature, laying hold on infinite power that transforms into the divine likeness, working out salvation in meekness and lowliness and letting trials humble to depend wholly for grace and guidance, since perfection comes only through His righteousness. In trouble go to Jesus as Friend rather than to defective human beings, for He alone can bear burdens and give grace, guidance, and transforming power. When trouble comes, instead of talking faults, losing patience, fretting, and worrying, go in humility, kneel, tell all, confess the burdened heart, and ask help and removal. Human friends with all the burdens they can bear are not the resort; difficulties and sorrows should be presented to Christ, going to the One who gave His life and by whom believers are bought with a price, who alone removes sin and gives lacking wisdom.

Needs are to be brought to God rather than merely told to others, with childlike reliance and taking Him at His word. Every difficulty, little daily trials as well as large, is to be laid open just as felt, for nothing is too small to carry, saying in effect You promised and I believe. Asking includes asking for grace to cut away hatred and to be made victor over sin, with victory coming rich, full, and abundant to believers. When answer seems withheld, it must not be hastily concluded there is no hearing, for the hindrance is Satan and evil angels casting a hellish shadow to cloud mind and heart and turn trust elsewhere; communion must be kept open and the fountain of living waters not left. Moses illustrates persistence, pleading step by step for presence, guidance, forgiveness, and glory, interceding for sinful Israel without presumption, and God answered, encouraging bringing burdens in faith and keeping on seeking.

Conference leaders should seek the Lord directly for decisions that can be settled locally rather than depend on distant advisers, since turning to people in His place limits to what people can provide. All may depend on God rather than human counsel, for the promise is sure because He does not fail, and even those with little learning or few gifts may draw near and receive needed strength without depending on distant human helpers. Each person must pray directly for blessing instead of looking thousands of miles away for another to pray, for every heartbeat and circumstance is known and any poor trembling soul is heard as readily as any other. To neglect to ask, seek, and knock for oneself fails to recognize Him and shows Him not fully understood. The promise belongs to every individual, not only to presidents or leaders; all are to wait individually, put petitions before Him, make Him reliance and help, seek wisdom, efficiency, and help directly, and leaders are to train others to do so.

In trouble look to Jesus the ever-present help and burden-bearer for strength, hope, and courage rather than turning first to earthly friends, for faith opens the way to longed help and rest. He is present, ready to give what is needed, and longs to answer requests. Asking, believing, and receiving belong together without watching or testing whether faith is working; answers may be expected and promises fulfilled while doing required duties and working in harmony with prayer, with answers sometimes exceeding highest expectation. When two or three meet to unite counsel and send up petitions, united prayer is answered, for God depends on human agents to do their best to save the lost and He gives the increase so thousands may be rescued in cooperation with divine intelligences. Devoted workers praying together receive glimpses of Jesus bracing for every conflict, elevating and strengthening them to be more than conquerors, and in small companies meeting for secret and united earnest petition Jesus is present, unction is received, love for souls deepened, and the Spirit puts forth mighty energies through human agents.

Where human help is feeble divine power is infallible, so help and favor may be unitedly sought by coming pleading for the guidance of the Spirit, with united prayers ascending to the throne of grace and requests mingled with praise and thanksgiving. Honor is conferred on comers who ask in faith believing they will receive, with strength found in taking burdens to the great Burden-bearer. All grace and efficiency come through united persevering dependence, bringing the Spirit to work with every effort, impel and direct, and make consecrated workers with Christlikeness acting as channels of light to save souls, in contrast to half-hearted lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, as seen for Sanitarium physicians and helpers. Power in answer to united church prayer for reconciliation exceeds private prayer and is proportionate to unity and love, for the promise is conditioned on united prayer bringing power from on high to beseech men to be reconciled.

Praying together on the promise, meditated on and claimed in united seasons, breaks through the enemy's clouds of darkness and brings refreshing as in earlier days of meeting for prayer, with asking, seeking, and knocking answered by receiving, finding, and opening with longed blessings. Asking, believing, and receiving are needed so Jesus presides in meetings and the way is prepared for the Spirit, because work is for eternity and churches must not remain as they are. Though humans are powerless to stop sin and Satan seeking to corrupt and pollute, help is provided and must be asked for to be received, with Christ's grace needed to walk worthy and be presented without spot. Two or three together may claim anything in His name and He will do it, with none staying independent but remaining watchful, zealous, humble, trustful, tender, compassionate, and prayerful to meet trials and gain victories, asking help from the only One who can break Satan's snare.

Coming as little children, blessing may be asked with confidence for grace, power, and salvation not for self-exaltation but to bless others, and such petitions are not denied. Studying His word helps know and claim promises, and the Spirit sought brings other blessings with it, giving peace and sight of salvation. More time is to be given to prayer and less to useless conversation, learning simplicity while being carried through faith by its Author and Finisher, since everyone who asks receives, who seeks finds, and who knocks has opening.

How God Gives Answers

God hears and answers those who ask, but the promise does not mean He will give the exact thing requested at the exact time or in the precise way desired. People can ask for what would not bless them, so He gives what serves their highest good and the blessing they need most, and when an answer is delayed or seems absent they are to trust it will come in the right time. Trusting Him to answer is not presumption; insisting He answer in a particular way is, for His wisdom and goodness make it safe to rely on the promise. Asking may be done with faith and confidence, for He knows what is for good and receiving His gifts enables glorifying Him by sharing with others.

Every sincere petition offered in faith is answered, though not always in the precise way or for the specific thing requested, for God is too wise and good to withhold what is truly good. The answer may not come immediately or match what was requested: in wisdom and goodness He withholds what would harm and gives the needed blessing instead, for His glory and the seeker's best good. No sincere prayer offered in faith is lost, and believers must keep trusting without wavering or discouragement even when the answer is not immediate. Like a loving parent He gives what is good and healthful instead of what would harm, the blessing coming when most needed and sometimes exceeding expectations.

God hears every sincere prayer but may answer differently than expected, granting what is best and what the person can bear. Through trials He may lead the seeker toward Christ, greater trust, greater dependence on fellow believers, and the answer may come through providence bringing patience, hope, and fruits of righteousness. He rewards diligent seeking though answers may not come as expected, and trials test faith and teach seeking, with experience gained through affliction worth its pain. Prayer is as necessary for the Christian life as food for physical life, bringing heaven's bread for growth in grace, preparation for duty, and peace of heart, so prayers in loneliness, weariness, and trial are answered not always according to expectations but always for good, in the way and time for best good.

He gives only what is for best good and does not indulge injurious things, and parents are to mirror this by kindly refusing what would injure their children while trying in every way to make them happy. He may deny what is felt as must-have while working His wise will, calling for surrender of self-will with earnest humility, trust, and earnest prayer in bringing perplexities to Him in faith. When expected help does not come and circumstances remain difficult, those who ask and seek are to pray, wait, and trust His word, seeking most earnestly while expecting blessing with certainty of help, hopeful and cheerful with thanksgiving and praise, looking to the bright side, talking faith, hope, and courage, and holding fast to divine power. His answer may come through unfolding providence, where apparent hindrances and delays call for continued faithful work and patient undaunted trust, not fretful anxiety. Asking is to be in keeping with His will, believing He hears and answers in the way and time bringing greatest good and glory, and among promised gifts prayer of faith brings pardon for sin, the Holy Spirit, a Christlike temper, wisdom, strength for His work, and divine help for overcoming sin and developing character.

Gifts and Daily Applications

God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask, and He is more willing to give Him than parents are to give good things to their children; the Spirit brings divine love into the heart so that doing His will becomes delight, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness in thought, word, and action in harmony with the law will be filled. Those who ask for the Spirit may trust they will be answered when they come confessing sin and unworthiness, for confidence rests on divine faithfulness and not on deserving; the measure received answers desire and faith, capacity to receive, and faithful use of light and knowledge already given, as a sure law of government. The promise is offered in full abundance to followers who claim it for the church and its work, and earnest prayer in Christ's name kindled by the Spirit is a pledge of answer beyond asking or imagining; those who persistently seek testify to its work in heart, life, and character without disappointment, for none who truly seeks guidance is disappointed. Those who lack spiritual strength or light to help others should claim the promise for the Spirit, and that help enables resistance to Satan's temptations beyond human strength in every emergency and trial, giving assurance to the weary and burdened who trust the unfailing word.

God gives grace and wisdom to those who ask, seek, and plead, and prayer itself builds dependence and strengthens faith to trust His word with confidence. Wisdom must be asked directly from God and not from human wisdom as from a broken reed, and this asking leads to doing to others as one would be done by and to entering the strait gate and narrow way to life. Asking Christ directly brings manifold wisdom more precious than words to the unworthy and helpless who cry for salvation, which no finite person can supply; the true seeker who learns of Jesus day by day receives His wisdom as his own for educating youth in Battle Creek to stand with the whole armor on for the testing of present truth. Those who seek to know duty, guidance from the Word, and counsel may ask, seek, and knock trusting God rather than human counsel or judgment, approaching reverently; servants who pray for the Spirit's guidance receive light and knowledge to reveal to others. Christ gives grace to the obedient and good things to askers, providing help through angels who strengthen those who call, and He is more willing to give the Spirit than parents are to give good gifts, enabling daily victory to those who ask and believe.

Asking brings pardon to the repentant, justification to the believer, the crown of life to the faithful unto death, and happiness even now; sinners need not make themselves worthy first but receive cleansing and peace by faith. Those who ask for pardon and seek in faith receive forgiveness because Christ readily pardons the repentant, and earnest asking awakened by seeing His death brings joy and vigorous obedience that turns from evil. All who come by Him in repentance and faith He receives and saves to the uttermost, covering conversion from worldliness and self-indulgence by His atoning blood, especially for youth and children in believing homes where parents labor disinterestedly and perseveringly. Seekers may ask and receive evidence that sins are forgiven through positive faith strengthened by daily communion and growing knowledge of God. Everyone who wants to be a Christian should seek at once with heart, soul, and voice believing the promise certain, for seeking gives communion with God and gains eternal life as insurance for the kingdom, opening the heaven of heavens before the seeker.

The gift received is plain unvarnished truth that transforms receivers as saving power to convict and convert, bringing comfort, hope, joy, and light when taught as little children, so that many deemed heathen will believe when it is presented in love and simplicity. Asking, believing, and receiving by faith is how scattered gospel truths are found and welcomed to console and give life to the hungry, and opposition should drive closer Scripture inquiry bringing clearer light, stronger faith, and practical knowledge. All who want Christ's Word explained, especially parables and mysteries, should ask the great Teacher with hearts open to the Spirit and longing for truth; none is refused but receives definite instruction unfolding the kingdom clearly as light to share like a candle on a dark path. Those who honestly seek truth will find it by willingness to know and follow God's will even at self-denial and sacrifice, which Satan cannot prevent. Searching the Scriptures to know truth while pleading for the Spirit's illumination brings finding to earnest seekers.

Hunger and thirst for righteousness and longing for God are met when the heart is open to the Spirit, for need itself is an appeal for help; those truly hungering for experimental religion in faith and humility receive it. What is asked before opening the Bible, enlightenment by the Spirit, will be given. God gives power to remain steadfast, grace when asked, and love to askers, and even transgressors may repent in faith and become channels for Christ's works through the Spirit. Fervent humility brings the Spirit's aid for a sanctified heart and noble character, while church members of limited faith need reconversion and cultivation of faith. Followers are to ask Christ to cleanse hearts and remove defects yielding self fully, and those who ask for a meek lowly heart like His receive it, overcoming harshness to learn kindness, courtesy, and respect for each mind and experience. Seekers in faith may ask and receive Christ's gentleness, precious for victory in every conflict. Asking must be done with belief to receive rest from His easy yoke, which is the end of faith, the salvation of the soul, learned in meekness.

Prayer brings the bread of heaven for developing self-denying spotless principles with generous liberality, so requests for it should be large. Prayer is a way to receive grace to share because supply does not run out, and asking to receive joins shouldering responsibilities, filling time with labor, and recovering capability rather than replacing work. God's promises are fulfilled in those rightly related to Him, enabling self-denying work with Christ to save the human family. Doing one's best while looking to Jesus for instruction brings receiving, finding, and opening, and faithfulness in little and large learned from nature and Christ opens the way for God to supply lack as with Daniel, while doing one's best is all the Father asks for acknowledgment as brethren before heaven. God's help enables resisting Satan's temptations beyond own strength in every trial, giving assurance to the weary burdened by trusting His unfailing word.

Earnest prayer and fasting bring victory and opening, and continued prayer keeps hold of truth and makes former indulgences repulsive for overcoming appetites and habits. Asking in Christ's strength to overcome weakness and sin brings joy and love as He molds the heart, and dependence leads to pray while duty leads to work, both shaping life and making power available. Drawing near brings strength even to the weakest for guarding weak character points, obeying law, honoring God, and leaving results with Him, for all power comes from the unfailing source open to all. In labor for hopeless erring souls the worker must hold fast to them and Christ, ask God, press back the enemy, draw them to godly strength, and not thrust them away, for they are Christ's blood purchase whom He is willing to forgive much. Believers receive grace and means for fruitful service so that receiving leads to giving and working with God, and asking to receive is receiving in order to give to others.

Spiritual and temporal gifts received are to be passed through the church to meet needs and advance work, and asking brings the Spirit to work with every effort. God supplies resources for establishing truth in new places as workers pray while working, believing, denying self without waiting for money in hand, giving reason to wait patiently and hopefully. Prayer for Nashville workers moves hearts to send offerings, provides means, and sustains faith and courage, so keep looking, believing, and receiving with hope and rejoicing. Prayer sustains work through hardship and lack by keeping faith, doing what can be done, and leaving results to God, and confidence to pray and expect answers carries forward His work and accomplishes what planning cannot. Workers praying together for direction saw work advance substantially within a year, for asking for guidance brings accomplishment.

Christ as example in seeking shows laborers to depend on God not self-esteem, take His mind, and lift the fallen. Ministers and physicians are instructed by the Father's goodness to persistently ask, seek, and knock for what is needed. Missionary work including meetinghouses calls for faith and courage in claiming the promise. Seeking means for God's work and truth brings receiving and finding as trusted. The unfailing God encourages workers in His lines not to fail when means restrict but to despair of nothing, leading to deeper lessons, obedience, right placement of talents, opportunities to impart grace and be refilled, with hope increasing as divine agency cooperates. Asking, seeking, and knocking link to working with given abilities, increasing hope and faith while God provides opportunities and grace.

Parents seeking aid in perplexity and baptismal vows receive grace to overcome by living faith, and husbands and wives trusting humbly gain victory over self to be kind, courteous, tender at home instead of harsh words and carried irritation. Troubles amid business cares require taking time to pray for keeping by divine power with Him ever before mind, and seekers find present help, grace in business as in prayer, steadfast character, and power for judgment-proof work, while leaving Him out multiplies cares. Going to Jesus with troubles brings comfort, encouragement, and strength preventing disappointment, for He stands at the right hand; it requires simplicity, trust, and confidence. Facing conflict, seek simply wholeheartedly for help and refuge not own strength, holding fast to promised presence and care. Trials and grievances are permitted to lead to seeking, proving the promise true, for happiness comes not from escaping them.

In suffering bring the promise for comfort and peace only Jesus gives, with simple wholehearted reliance not presumption or self-confidence, seeking blessing and strength. Prayer in pain brings peace, rejoicing, self-control, and strength to endure even severe tooth extraction without groaning or stupefying drugs, through trust in sure words. In long trying nights of nervous pain when intelligent prayer feels scarcely possible, present the promise earnestly for peace and rejoicing, resting on Christ the personal Saviour pledged to save believers. Even in severe pain present the promise to the Father, trusting Christ for peace and joy, and prayer and trust verify His promise to save believers. Sufferers are to ask, seek, and trust without doubt, keeping hope and entrusting loved ones to God believing the promise is for them.

The promise gives assurance for healing when claimed by faith for strength in uncertainty, for Frances who recovered after prayer and an act of faith, and for eye and cheekbone pain restored by God's power. Trusting the promise, relief came from severe cough after rest with cough gone though a facial pimple remained years, and claiming it for another brought healing also to the pray-er though unasked, as with Sister McKee and hip stiffness leaving. Prayer for healing gives confidence in sickness, trusting the great Physician with continual faith, while human workers cannot heal or change diseased conditions but use provided means, live by His laws, and pray blessing on agencies. The sick seeking restoration must ask continually perseveringly in helpless childlike faith to the Mighty Healer for Christ's sake, uniting in special seasons without discouragement, sure of receiving because He loves and is faithful. The promise taken by faith for the sick gives assurance of blessing, healing, and revealed power so the restored testify among God's people, requiring refusal to yield to the enemy while united prayers continue.

Bringing physical needs with living faith — health, mental clearness, eyesight, relief from pain — to the Great Physician pleading the promise brings peace, freedom from distress, strength of soul and body, and testimony of heard prayer. Asking brought relief from despair and God's blessing, from long burden and agony as promises seemed precious pearls, and from spiritual anguish when sought. When discouraged about improvement, feelings do not measure hearing; trust His word, hold promises, and continue daily communion. Daily consecration and continued prayer bring receiving, freedom, refined taste needing fewer holidays, angel cooperation, and Spirit-supplied clean thoughts and right words to reach hearts for salvation. Asking for grace and understanding of truth to give the bread of life brings further grace in humble faith, and trials encourage persistence for good.

After turning from evil habits like evil-speaking, jealousy, and disobedience, believers may claim the promise with understanding, and those confessing and forsaking sins receive blessing as present help. The Anderson brothers proved the promise as prayers for wives' conversion were answered, strengthening faith in God who makes promises sure in Christ. A husband's yearning promise is held when a child comes home cheerful but poorer physically. Coming to the Saviour as children brings promised help without payment through compassionate grace, and the Saviour welcomes all who come for counsel in humility clinging with assurance. Seekers who come as they are without trying to be better or earn acceptance are received, for God accepts as promised and none seeking in need seeks in vain.

Suffering afflicted ones are invited to come with confidence and not seek in vain, for none truly coming is turned away; Christ lived this through weary merciful deeds bringing light and joy to sorrowing throngs, desiring hearts filled with His joy, welcoming sorrow throughout His life though often weary with little rest. Burdened sinners should turn sincerely without long speeches, asking, seeking, and knocking to find Jesus removing crushing sin and giving peace with sacred joy. Disciples are taught to bring daily needs and cares to God who hears, an assurance applying also to present believers. God's precious promises are received by asking. Pleading the promise for people in distress gives confidence God will answer, open the way, and not leave them comfortless.

Turning in repentance, humility, and confession, pray simply, hold faith firmly, and persist without discouragement trusting answer for needed help. The promise gives confidence to seek light and grace to do His will, trusting promises do not fail, and earnestly seeking before beginning work brings receiving and opening. Seeking spiritual things reflects valuing and need for them, exposing reliance on finite strength and calling workers to feel need, seek the Lord, and counsel with brethren not act alone. Asking from the heart expresses urgent need for immediate grace and power, calling for stronger faith than often shown, and persistent inward prayer wherever one is brings response. Seeking the Lord wholeheartedly is profitable, and those humbly earnestly seeking find help with wisdom and grace for learning meekness rather than acting harshly or dictating to others. Success connects with possessing Jesus' meekness and lowliness in seeking the Lord.

Helping one another improve in godliness, growing in knowledge of God and Christ, using speech to make Him Friend and Counsellor, lifting church spirituality, contemplating His goodness, and contending for the faith give simplicity and depth through asking. Earnest seeking with expectation, hopeful cheer, thanksgiving, bright talk of faith and courage while holding divine power brings certainty of help. Consulting Christ as Leader in humble prayer proves receiving, and before acting seek His guidance. Seeking earnestly and bringing petitions brings help, calling seekers to reveal truth and honor Him. Asking while faithfully discharging every known duty, opening the heart to the Word, enlarging plans as the Spirit directs without crowding, moving as directed, acknowledging grace, and speaking knowledge brings giving and finding. Prayer joined with faithful work in councils and deliberations obtains wisdom and rich grace for building up, not tearing down.

The Spirit is the teacher of true wisdom given to askers. God blesses those who ask Him. Those who bring personal needs in faith trusting His promise receive comfort and strength according to His word. Heaven's gifts are not withheld like hesitant human favors; asking brings closeness to His goodness, compassion, and love for help, grace, and rich blessings. Through Christ's one gift of Jesus, ask for heaven's riches for every need; God as Maker answers making hearts happy with contentment and virtue, and children belong to the promise and should be taught to pray from babyhood. God draws near to encourage weak timid comers for strength, and when they find heart and voice to pray He hears and saves.

Christ's followers bringing perplexities in full assurance without doubt find Him listening and helping through confident persistent trust, for He is the living Way consecrated by His blood. Trusting the Lord who knows needs and provides when looked to in faith brings receiving and opening. Trusting promise rather than expecting failure, claiming grace blessings and receiving mercy messages by faith brings soul comfort and honors God. Claiming promises personally supports step-by-step victory over temptation and growth in grace and knowledge. Asking brings the blessings Christ purchased, condemned unbelief failing to claim them; only those knowing Him as personal Saviour receive through Him as the Tree of Life reaching to earth, with provision for strength, the Comforter presenting its fruit to eat and guide others, and angels cooperating to bless the world.

Bringing sorrow and trials in wholehearted trust not dwelling on discouragement brings answers, for He knows trials, loves infinitely, and will do as promised. Telling Him all things in humility brings grace, guidance, burden-bearing, and transforming power into divine likeness, rather than unloading troubles on others. Coming close through fervent believing prayer is human responsibility while trusting God for what best helps do His will. Asking in faith for help to recognize failings, overcome temptation, and do right brings received strength sustained by God not self. Undertaking the Lord's work, ask for help and receive strength and wisdom without seeking in vain, for divine aid serves service. Depending on Him as children brings provision of needed guidance and Spirit power, so be ready to trust.

Asking, seeking, and knocking in faith bring receiving and opening for workers together with God as precious privilege, presenting petitions for grace, light on the Word, and wisdom to encourage others, urgent as second-coming signs fulfill lest people meet unprepared, taught by Christ's prayer in John 17. Trusting patient humble prayer brings answered requests, guided search, and opened way when seeking help. Taking hold of Christ and keeping hold until transforming grace shows brings light into works and reflection of divine character by faith, calling for short personal prayer stating needs and thanks, clean converted hearts, and stronger faith. In times of need true Christians may rely on keeping power and receive help when asking. Seekers and knockers are ministered to by commissioned angels who assist when given opportunity.

Trust in Jesus as living faith acts in obedience with works as fruit, bringing finding Him and not seeking in vain, including forgiveness, justification, and eternal life. Receiving the Spirit by asking brings with it wisdom, efficiency, and help for work as God is more willing than parents, and the promise belongs to every individual not only leaders, who are to train others to seek Him directly. Asking, believing, and receiving connect so today's believers as much as first disciples must commune wholly and plead, and receivers become channels of living truth. Prayer of faith is the key unlocking heaven's treasury, for God invites coming, bestows best gifts supplying great need from love, and trust in His wisdom brings peace while opening to the Spirit blesses labors. Seeking God with whole hearts in faith relying on promise with Jesus' name for boldness brings golden oil through messengers to keep church lamps burning and enlighten others.

Asking continually with earnestness in special united seasons brings Jesus to preside in meetings and prepares for the Spirit. Asking in faith while relying on promise and continuing to pray brings answers for publishing and school responsibilities, pleading for guidance and keeping seeking. Grace and ability for work come from dependence through united persevering prayer that leads and strengthens workers. The Spirit puts forth mighty energies through small companies meeting to unite petitions as well as secret prayer, with Jesus present, unction, deepened love, and bracing glimpses of Him for conflict. Believers must not be negligent but press petitions with certainty, with at least one daily season for wisdom from One who never mistakes and anointing for discernment.

Those who have faith may ask and receive, seek and find, and knock and have the way opened, committing the soul to His keeping and trusting Him. There is no reason for hesitation, wavering, backsliding, gloom, or despondency in view of its rich full assurance, even in bodily weakness, but take Christ at His word, begin where one is, talk increased faith, and exercise living growing faith. Ask in faith rather than remain in unbelief, for asking is connected with knowing Jesus as personal Saviour. God gives blessings to askers, finding to seekers, and opening to knockers, calling for prayer and trust that rejects unbelief and receives by faith. Trust His word and keep asking amid daily work and noise, for the certain limitless promise assures sincere comers will receive, find, be welcomed, and not be disappointed.

Draw near and tell needs to receive peace and strength to resist doubt and anxious unbelief, for the promise gives faith across all time for both physical and spiritual needs. Ask for grace to cut away hatred and be made victor over sin, and victory will come rich and full and abundant to believers who take the promise at His word and plead it back for every little daily trial as well as large ones. Ask and also seek to understand commandments so as to obey them faithfully, for earnest prayer is answered and diligent seeking finds. The devil works to keep from knowing God, yet God stays gracious and responds to persistent trusting seekers who ask, seek, and knock. Come in simple faith with assurance of receiving, finding, and opening, walking in simplicity where opportunities open for every need, receiving help through humility, firm dependence, and full surrender as God cooperates as each case requires.

Depend more fully and trust Him, for He is ready and willing to give needed things to children who ask, seek, and knock. Come as His children and receive asked blessings, find sought things, and have doors opened, for even sinful poverty need not bar seeking eternal life since Christ paid redemption and desires reception, with the promise itself evidence of hearing. God confers honor on comers and gives help and favor to united faith believers expecting reception, for strength lies in taking burdens to the great Burden-bearer and pleading for the Spirit with praise and thanksgiving. Trust God to answer and give good things, rebuking weak uncertain faith, for His storehouse holds every good thing for the upright and this faith works by love and purifies the soul. In trouble look to Jesus rather than first to earthly friends, for faith opens the way to strength, hope, courage, help, and rest from the ever-present Burden-bearer.

Keep communication open as duty with heart and voice, for prayer must be active and earnest to find and have opened, and even six assembled may claim it with Father, Son, and angels present to bring the Spirit with rich blessings. Give time to petitions to know God rightly, for knowing Him is life eternal and gives certain experience of standing, and the Lord waits for contrite prayer to respond. Prayer is worth time, so pray with confidence asking, seeking, and knocking, letting Jesus bear burdens and perplexities rather than carrying alone. Speak words of faith, claim the blessing, and hold to what He said He would do, and praise and petitions will be heard and answered. That asking faith shuts darkness from the mind, carries through discouragement, endures struggle, lets truth triumph with God as guard and rearward, and makes what He would have be.

Search the pages which testify of Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, for these are the conditions to receive eternal life secured by His death. Earnestly study Matthew 7 to gain valuable experience as ministers of righteousness for publishing work. Pray and seek with confidence of victory, for asking receives answer and seeking finds. Present cases frequently believing He helps because He said so, with living active faith and entire dependence like little children, and lack will be filled from His knowledge of helplessness. Unlimited faith in the immutable Word lifts out of difficulties and perplexities.

Take things asked as received by faith, for pledged promise assures answer apart from joyful feeling. Come with childlike trusting love complying with conditions to receive blessings and be saved. Strength and grace come to all who ask on the unfailing One, so rest on the Word with assurance. Coming in prayer brings comfort, spiritual strengthening, and renewed physical strength through faith. Keep obedient with undivided affections and humble contrite heart, and He will keep all who come.

Bestowal flows from glorious nature, for it is His nature to bestow freely by glory and virtue, giving liberally in faith to all. Weak faith fails by not availing rich promises, though He draws by endearing sympathy to give courage and confidence to ask. Unbelief is answered with confidence in the Father's willingness to give good things to askers. Continue asking in trust even without immediate special feeling, assured Christ hears and answers. Christ personally calls to believe the promise that askers receive, seekers find, and knockers have opened.

No excuse remains for despondency, for in the gift of Christ all heaven's treasures are at command to walk in His steps by faith. Ask for pardon, wisdom, righteousness, truth, guidance, renewed hearts, and the Spirit, trusting needed grants will come. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, and greater faith, and answers will come in best way and time for need and good though differing from expectation. Ask for peace and rich blessing as invited and receive. Ask for presence, grace, and blessing expectantly through earnest prayer and find.

Ask for light and knowledge repeatedly, proving faithfulness and assurance of guidance. Ask for great things in simple faith without disheartenment, drawing needed wisdom, presence, light, and power while confiding troubles. Expect more than asked while looking to Him not uncertain humans, for He longs to give longed help. Trust Him as only hope when praying for guidance and heavenly wisdom, for He gives what is asked. Seek understanding of the Word and follow His example with persistence, for everyone seeking receives answer.

Seek to do His will while trusting for best help, placing in close connection with Christ through fervent believing prayer as duty. Seek help, counsel, and direction in work and not ask in vain, for He draws near to encourage through Word, promises, and Spirit and hears and saves comers for strength. Find by continual seeking, receive by asking, and have opened by knocking persistently, as condition for increased grace and holiness apart from earning redemption. Prayer brings communion with Christ who hears and opens rich treasures of grace to knockers, and believing His Word brings rest and peace. Bring every trouble and need with counsel-seeking at any time in private, walking, or working, trusting infinite love.

Bring needs earnestly pleading for blessing and power to live as children, approaching freely without fear of wearying Him behind His promises. Bring perplexities with faith surrendering self-will, praying earnestly humbly trusting promises though He may deny felt musts to work wise will. Apply the promise to asking for the Spirit's outpouring with unwavering rest on His word and encouragement in Christ when doubt arises, from unfailing supply. Jesus secures by mediation as Advocate and High Priest everything faith claims, spoken as Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace who never falsifies, so trembling souls should look to His loving face, uplift heavenward daily, and claim. Nothing God can give is withheld, for in giving Jesus He gave all heaven, and the asker receives Him with barricading protection, Spirit assurance, and revelation for His name's sake.

Through merits every heavenly blessing is already bestowed leaving nothing outside to ask, while asking receives, continual seeking finds, and knocking opens by drawing near and abiding in Christ. Continual supplication in His name in harmony with His will will not be in vain. The Father gives bread not stone, much more the Spirit to askers. Faith is the hand appropriating richest gifts unlocking supplies, as key opening the treasury. The contrite prayer's devotion leads to faith laying hold on omnipotence, making peace, giving influence, manifesting personal Saviour belief, with resources of merit at command and priestly clothing as merit ascends like incense.

Keep asking according to His word with determination trusting promise, though answer delays to test faith and genuineness, making more earnest and increasing desire. Keep praying even when answers delay, for victory depends on continually receiving to share grace needed. Keep open communication by finding heart and voice to bring answers. Keep prayers ascending while watching, working, waiting, and fighting, receiving liberally trusting His love in giving His Son. Receive the promise only by unwavering asking without wavering or sullenness if delayed, believing He heard and pledged.

God loves all, forgets none, leaves none helpless, inviting every family member with sure reception. God gives above all the Spirit as a father gives good gifts. God gives to weakest saints equally regardless of standing, sending help to needy souls asking in faith. God is willing and gracious to all callers giving hope in difficulty. Those who trust seek and receive from Christ.

The privilege of prayer reaches God amid distraction, for even inaudible desire is heard and no sincere seeker disappointed with free liberal giving to faith. Only by consent can Jesus release from Satan, though Christ understands needs and will not be indifferent to desirers of love. The needy soul is supplied by simple childlike faith through Jesus as Saviour while probation lasts. Prayer is refuge in perplexities waiting to hear knocking age after age. Greater power comes in answer to united than private prayer proportionate to unity and love for reconciliation ministry.

Help provided must be asked to break Satan's snare, requiring watchful zealous humble compassionate prayer for victories, claimable by two or three in His name. Petitions in earnest faith reach the mercy seat with unwearying persistence pressing to the throne. The Holy Spirit intercedes within with groanings unuttered. Prayer must be by the Spirit's inspiration not only Jesus' name, kindled exceedingly abundantly above asking. Prayer as necessary as food prepares for duty and fills with peace, bringing bread of heaven to grow in grace with every sincere earnest prayer answered.

Prayers in loneliness and trial are always for good though not as expected in way or time. Jesus is Saviour to all without distinction of color, nationality, strength, or wealth, as Father to all asked for needs. Kneel humbly telling burdened hearts asking removal instead of fault-talking, fretting, and worrying. Do not go to human friends who bear burdens but to the Life-giver who gave life and bought by price. Moses' petitions were not presumptuous though persistent step by step.

He interceded for sinful Israel continuing for presence, guidance, forgiveness, and glory, and was answered to bring burdens in faith. Heaven holds never-failing supply for the needy resting unwaveringly believing received. His offering was plenteous without stint purchasing complete redemption to encourage communion when doubt arises through enemy shadow. Faith received is pressed home in testimony then blessing comes because said. Lay hold on Scripture words without letting go, defining receiving faith that can grasp promise.

Answered prayer beyond asking comes by Spirit-inspired earnestness in Christ's name. Those feeling lack of strength or light should claim for the Spirit. Generous giving nature grounds promise including Spirit, showing more mercy than parents for confidence to approach and trust. Ministers and members need critical repeated study for enlightenment not fault-finding in Matthew 7. Not giving exact thing is not presumption but trusting is, for wisdom and goodness make reliance safe.

Delayed or seemingly absent answers still come in right time trusting. Because askers may request non-blessings, God gives highest good and needed blessing most. Assurance that He hears and answers grounds trust. The traveler illustration shows asking for bread to provide for one arrived at home, as part of prayer. Asking is part of prayer.

Youth are to pray resolutely without dictating how God must answer, persisting in faith and contrition not waiting feelings, leaving in Father's hands for good with humility and effort. Youth may bring burdens trusting provision from Jesus. Earnest asking, seeking, and knocking trust hearing. The Father gives good things even more willingly as shown by parent comparison. Asking without faith fails to recognize blessing and is sin.

Present cases frequently believing help because promised fills lack from Father knowing helplessness giving good gifts. Feeling must not criterion faith. The following parent comparison shows greater willingness to give good. Everyone asking receives with reinforced assurance, seeking finds, knocking opens. Gracious invitation assures receiving in prayer.

No room remains for misunderstanding by threefold repetition applying to all who ask, seek, and knock. Seeking God believing power brings receiving. The next verses explain Father gives good to askers. Coming asking, seeking, and knocking never comes in vain. Take God at word trusting promise making greater power for good versus lukewarm unbelief without emotion required.

No condition excludes desirers, for seekers of promised things receive with simple faith without doubt taking at word. Good things include the Spirit thirsted for in godliness. Claim with confidence fulfilling promise worth more than worldly riches brought to Christ.