"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" ~ Matthew 7:7 KJV
In John 16:24, Jesus stated, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
What did Jesus mean by this? Does this mean to ask for anything we want, even if you're not a Christian, or asking for righteous things?
Meaning of "Ask and You Shall Receive"
In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." This verse, part of the Sermon on the Mount, encourages believers to pray and present their requests to God. It emphasizes the importance of faith and persistence in prayer. By using the verbs "ask," "seek," and "knock," Jesus highlights an active faith that requires effort and demonstrates trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.
According to biblical scholars, the context of this teaching is essential. Jesus is speaking to a crowd that is familiar with Jewish customs and the nature of God’s provision. The listeners are encouraged to rely on God as a loving Father who knows and provides for their needs (Matthew 7:9-11).
Matthew 7:7 teaches us to balance our requests with a heart of surrender to God's plan. It is important to understand that this promise is aligned with God's will. 1 John 5:14-15 states that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Therefore, the answers to our prayers will be in accordance with God's perfect plan and timing.
Our prayers to God often mirror the way we make requests in our human relationships. They are deeply rooted in trust and connection. Jesus illustrates this beautifully in Matthew 7:8, where He compares our prayers to a child asking their father for something. If a child requests something harmful, the loving father will deny it—not out of cruelty, but because he cares for the child’s well-being. The child may feel frustrated or even disappointed, but ideally, they trust their father’s wisdom and love. On the other hand, when a child asks for something good and beneficial, the father delights in giving it, eager to meet their needs.
This same principle applies to our relationship with God. In John 14:14, Jesus tells His disciples, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” At first glance, this may seem like an open invitation for anything our hearts desire. But Jesus clarifies that our asking must be “in His name.” This means aligning our prayers with His authority and His will. It’s not about asking for our own agenda but seeking what aligns with God’s greater plan. As 1 John 5:14 reminds us, “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” True prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours; it’s about surrendering our desires to His perfect plan.
This can be hard to accept when God’s answer is “no” or “not yet.” Sometimes what we want feels so urgent or necessary. But God, in His wisdom, knows what is best for us. He promises to provide what we truly need when we “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). The truth is, what we want isn’t always what we need, and if it isn’t in God’s will, it ultimately isn’t good for us. His “no” is not rejection but protection, a loving act that keeps us from harm or prepares us for something better.
The promise of “ask and receive” is never a setup for disappointment when we trust God’s character. He is a loving Father who is faithful to give us good things and to withhold what would harm us. When we pray, let’s not just present our requests but also trust in His timing, His wisdom, and His unchanging love. Every “yes,” “no,” or “wait” is wrapped in His goodness, shaping us to become more like Christ and drawing us closer to Him.
Bible Commentary on the Phrase "Ask and You Shall Receive"
Ask and you shall receive
This is to be understood of asking of God in prayer, for such things as are wanting; whether of a temporal nature, as food and raiment, which Christ, in the former chapter, had warned against an immoderate and anxious concern for; or of a spiritual nature, as grace, and wisdom to behave in a proper manner, both towards God and men: and such, who ask according to the will of God, in the name of Christ, and under the direction, guidance, and influence of the Spirit, who ask in faith and fear, and with submission to the divine will, shall have what they ask for; not as what they deserve, but as a free gift.
Seek, and ye shall find.
This is still meant of prayer, and of seeking God, his face and favor: which such shall find, who seek in a right way, by Christ, and with their whole hearts, diligently:
knock and it shall be opened unto you
as beggars do, who use much importunity for relief and assistance. So men should stand and knock at the door of mercy, which will not always be shut against them. Faith in prayer is a key that opens this door when a poor soul finds grace and mercy to help it in time of need. Our Lord's design is to express the nature, fervor, and constancy of prayer, and to encourage it. (Excerpt from John Gill's Bible Commentary)
The ESV Study Bible explains it this way:" 'Ask'. Disciples should come to God in humility and awareness of need. 'Seek' connects one’s prayer with responsible action in pursuing the will of God. 'Knock' suggests perseverance. Disciples are to persist in prayer, confident that their Father will provide whatever is best for them, according to his sovereign, gracious will."
And the well-known Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 7:7-11 states: "Prayer is the appointed means for obtaining what we need. Pray; pray often; make a business of prayer, and be serious and earnest in it. Ask, as a beggar asks alms. Ask, as a traveler asks the way. Seek, as for a thing of value that we have lost, or as the merchantman that seeks goodly pearls. Knock, as he desires to enter the house, knocks at the door. Sin has shut and barred the door against us; by prayer, we knock. Whatever you pray for, according to the promise, shall be given to you if God sees it fit for you, and what would you have more ...Parents are often foolishly fond, but God is all-wise; he knows what we need, desire, and fit for us. Let us never suppose our heavenly Father would bid us pray, refuse to hear, or give us what would be hurtful."
Bible Verses Related to 'Ask and You Shall Receive'
Mark 11:24 ~ "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Matthew 21:22 ~ "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
James 4:3 ~ "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
John 14:13-14 ~ "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."
John 15:7 ~ "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 16:24 ~ "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
Luke 11:13 ~ "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Psalm 37:4 ~ "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
A Prayer of Trust in Asking and Receiving
Heavenly Father, Thank You for inviting me to bring my needs and desires to You. I trust Your promise in Matthew 7:7-8 that when I ask, seek, and knock, You hear me and respond. Help me to pray according to Your will, trusting that Your answers—whether yes, no, or wait—are always for my good and Your glory.
Give me patience and faith to trust Your timing, even when it’s hard to understand. Shape my desires to reflect Your heart and help me to seek You above all else. Thank You for loving me and drawing me closer to You through prayer.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©iGetty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Christianity.com's editorial staff is a team of writers with a background in the Christian faith and writing experience. We work to create relevant, inspiring content for our audience and update timely articles as necessary.
