Ask; and it will be given you; seek, 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. (Matthew 7:7)
I have often heard this quoted in a context in which it assumes that God is kind of like a divine genie. If we ask God for what we want, we will get it. And the truth is that I feel like this is true ... so long as we ask the right kind of question.
I have prayed fervently with people for their loved one to be healed. I have prayed for people to find a job, to find reconciliation for their relationships, and to find peace for their burdens. Sometimes what I prayed for happened. Sometimes, it did not.
Still, the promise and power of prayers is that it changes the one praying in such a way that whatever outcome occurs, they are better able to live with it and through it. And this, I believe, is at the heart of what Jesus invites us to consider through our prayers.
Jesus offers that God hears our prayers. And this is no small assurance. Jesus characterizes the Father as one who is invested in us and our experiences. This means that whatever happens to us or those we love is of concern to the God who cares for us.
The strength, comfort, and peace that we find amidst difficulty is a way that God answers our prayers too. It may not seem as gratifying as a miraculous healing or an immediate yes to whatever we pray for in the moment.
In actuality, it may be the most wonderful answer we could ever hope for in prayer. When we receive the reassurance that God listens, cares, and will supply the necessary spiritual sustenance to face all of life's trials and struggles, then we can boldly and faithfully live with courage and hope.
So, ask, seek, and knock. God is listening and God will bring blessing to you.
God of grace, grant us the strength to live with hope in all times. Amen.
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