23355 Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ” —Matthew 7:7-8

Step 1: Ask God

Prayer changes things in the spiritual realm when you ask according to God’s guidelines. But it may take time before that change becomes noticeable in the physical realm. By faith continue to thank God for His answer while you wait for its manifestation. Also, demonstrate your faith and anticipation by “seeking” and “knocking”.

Step 2: Seek the Doorway for God’s Answer

Look for possible ways through which God may answer your prayer. With an attitude of expectation and anticipation, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Stay alert with your spiritual antenna fully extended.
If you believe God has answered your prayer then you will be looking for its manifestation.

Step 3: Knock on the Possible Doors

As the Holy Spirit makes you aware of possibilities, be faithful to pursue them until you have checked them out.
You knock on the door of a possibility to see if it will open wide or slam shut. In some ways it is like a divine Easter egg hunt. You will not find an egg under every bush but if you don’t give up, eventually you will find the ones for you.

For Example

Let us assume you need a job. If you go job hunting without praying and asking God first for His direction and blessing, then you will be at the mercy of the world system. On the other hand if you pray but never bother to look for a job then you are not doing your part. Instead, you should pray until you have the faith to believe God has granted your request. Then step out by faith, and look for options trusting Him to guide your steps.
When you become aware of a possibility, be faithful to check it out.
As you walk by faith continue to thank God that His answer is enroute.
Although you do not know when it will arrive, it will be on schedule according to God’s timetable. Also, keep on thanking Him for His conditional promise–

“For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” —Matthew 7:8

23354 God’s Guidelines for Asking

Ask according to God’s will.

“And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.” —1 John 5:14-15

Ask in Jesus’ name.

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” —John 14:13-14

(John 16:23-24)

Ask believing you will receive.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.” —Matthew 21:22

(Mark 11:24; James 1:6)

Ask with the right motives.

“You do not have because you do not ask; 4:3 you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.” —James 4:3

Ask confidently with a clear conscience.

“Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God, and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing to him.” —1 John 3:21-22

Ask as you abide in Christ.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” —John 15:7

Ask with a desire for fruitfulness.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” —John 15:16

Ask with respectful persistence.

“Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart. And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says!  Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them?  I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” —Luke 18:1,6-8

23353 Help me with my needs, Lord?

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. ”
—Philippians 4:6

God, I am depending on You to provide for the following needs so I can take the next step as You have directed me.

Use the NOTES in this app (icon on top right) to write them down and refer to them when you pray.

You can also use My Prayer List as the central location for all your prayer lists.

23351 Provision Overview

Focus on asking for what you need from God, your Faithful Sustainer

Heavenly Father, You are the Faithful Sustainer of Creation.

“The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
—Hebrews 1:3

“Everything looks to you in anticipation, and you provide them with food on a regular basis. You open your hand, and fill every living thing with the food they desire.”
—Psalms 145:15-16

“And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ” —Philippians 4:19

“ Fear the Lord, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing! Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” —Psalms 34:9-10

Help me with my needs, Lord

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6

God’s Guidelines for Asking

  • Ask according to God’s will.
  • Ask believing you will receive.
  • Ask with the right motives.
  • Ask confidently with a clear conscience.
  • Ask as you abide in Christ.
  • Ask with a desire for fruitfulness.
  • Ask with respectful persistence.

Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ” —Matthew 7:7-8

Step 1: Ask God.
Step 2: Seek the doorway for God’s answer.
Step 3: Knock on the possible doors.

23348 Making Sure the Direction is from God

Does it comply with the directions given in God’s written Word?

“Direct my steps by your word! Do not let any sin dominate me!” —Psalms 119:133

Does it demonstrate love for God?

“If you love me, you will obey my commandments. ”—John 14:15

Does it demonstrate love for others?

“ For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” —Romans 13:9-10

Does it promote personal holiness?

“For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. ” —1 Thessalonians 4:7

Does it reflect the fruit of the Spirit?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” —Galatians 5:22

Does it require faith and trust in God?

“Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ” —Hebrews 11:6

Does it make sense when you use sanctified reasoning that is based on God’s truth?

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

Does it seem to fit with the surrounding circumstances?

“In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.” —Ephesians 1:11

Does it concur with the advice you have received from wise Godly counselors?

“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established” —Proverbs 15:22

Does it generate a supernatural inner peace and calmness that cannot be attributed to your circumstances?

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7

Note:

You do not have to be able to answer “yes” to all of the preceding questions to confirm the direction as being from God.

You may not be able to answer some of the questions, but there should be a clear consensus among those that you can.

However, if you answer “no” to any of these questions wait on God to give you more confirmation before taking action.

23346 God Reveals His Will for Me

Through His Word, the Bible.

“Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.” —Psalms 119:105

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17

(Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 6:22-23)

Through the Holy Spirit who indwells me.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.” —John 16:13

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” —John 14:26

(John 14:16-17)

Through other people.

“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established.” —Proverbs 15:22

“When there is no guidance a nation falls, but there is success in the abundance of counselors” —Proverbs 11:14

(Ephesians 4:15-16)

Through providential circumstances.

“ person plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.”
—Proverbs 16:9

“The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the Lord.” —Proverbs 16:33

(Genesis 50:19-20; Acts 17:26-27; Ephesians 1:11)

23345 Preparing Myself to Hear God

By getting right with God

“But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9

(2 Corinthians 6:16;7:1; Hebrews 10:22; 12:14)

By surrendering my will to Him.

“We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is devout and does his will, God listens to him.” —John 9:31

“Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God. May your kind presence lead me into a level land.” —Psalms 143:10

(Proverbs 16:3; 23:26; Romans 12:1; 1 John 3:21-22)

By humbling myself before Him.

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

“The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life.” —Proverbs 22:4

(Proverbs 16:5; 29:23; Philippians 2:5-8)

By renewing my mind with His truth.

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

(Philippians 4:8)

By having a mindset of faith, trust and expectancy toward God.

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” —2 Corinthians 5:7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

(Romans 14:23; Hebrews 10:23,36,38; 11:6)

By being patient and willing to wait on God.

“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” —Psalms 27:14

(Lamentations 3:26; Psalms 37:7; 40:1; Romans 8:25)

23344 What Does God’s Word Say?

About my hopes and dreams?

“Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.” —Psalms 37:4

“You open your hand, and fill every living thing with the food they desire…He satisfies the desire of his loyal followers; he hears their cry for help and delivers them.” —Psalms 145:16,19

“The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.” —Proverbs 13:4

(Psalms 103:2,5; 119:116; Romans 8:5; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 1:14)

About my opportunities and pursuits?

“Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” —Mark 9:23

“I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. ” —Philippians 4:13

“So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised.” —Hebrews 10:35-36

(Deuteronomy 31:6; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:17)

About my troubles and adversity?

“The Lord is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.” —Nahum 1:7

“I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am.” —Psalms 31:7

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,.”—Romans 8:28

(Psalms 43:5; 138:7; Romans 8:35-37; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

About my doubts and fears?

“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me.” —John 14:1

“ By casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7

“Do not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the Lord will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.” —Proverbs 3:25-26

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you – yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!” —Isaiah 41:10

(Isaiah 54:14; Matthew 6:25-34; Hebrews 13:6)

23343 What do You want me to do, Lord?

“But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. ”—James 1:5

What concerns do you have about your current situation?

List desires, opportunities, problems, and/or fears that occupy your thinking. Also record God’s answers and changes in your situations. This is a good way to remember the faithfulness of the Lord in your life.

Use the NOTES in this app (icon on top right) to write them down and refer to them when you pray.