Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
- Matthew 7:7-11
It’s beautiful that God has given us a way to connect with Him through prayer. And He really does hear us and answer!
We learn God’s model for how to pray in Matthew 6. First, we begin with praise to God, then we ask for His kingdom and purpose here on earth.
Next, is the part we most often think of when we think of praying—asking for what we need. God cares very much about what you need!
He knows your body needs food, you must have shelter, and you need a job. He tells us to ask for these things in the next verse…” Give us today our daily bread.”
Asking God for our daily bread is a reminder that He is the Provider of every single thing, every single day.
He may not give you as much as you want, but He takes care of what you need for today.
Tomorrow, He will take care of those needs when it’s time. We are completely dependent on the God who meets our every need.
What do you need from God today? Do you have a need that seems overwhelming and impossible? God specializes in the seemingly impossible!
But always remember, God knows what is the very best for your life. If He does not give you something you ask for, it is because He knows better. He loves to give His children good gifts.
TODAY: Write down your requests. Pray about each item. Maybe you sense God speaking to you? Write that down too!
With Love,
Kristi Briggs
How often do you find yourself carrying a need or worry without ever bringing it fully to God? Sometimes we hesitate to ask because we're afraid of the answer, unsure of the timing, or wondering if our request is too small. But Jesus reminds us that we can come to our Heavenly Father honestly and confidently. He knows what we need, hears our prayers, and loves to give good gifts.
As you reflect on Matthew 7:7–11, take a few moments to write down what's on your heart. Be honest about what you're asking God for, and make room to consider how you can trust His goodness even when the answer isn't what you expected.
Journal & Reflect
- What do I need to bring to God in prayer today? Write down the requests, worries, or questions you've been carrying.
- Is there something I've been hesitant to ask God for? What makes it difficult to bring this need to Him?
- When have I experienced God's provision in my life? Write about a time He provided something you needed, perhaps in a way you didn't expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 7:7–11 mean?
Matthew 7:7–11 teaches us to keep coming to God in prayer through asking, seeking, and knocking. Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father is loving and generous, and that we can trust Him to give what is good to His children.
What does ask, seek, and knock mean?
These three words describe an active, ongoing relationship with God. We ask Him for what we need, seek His presence and direction, and knock with faith and persistence, trusting that He hears us.
Does God always answer our prayers the way we ask?
Not always. God hears our prayers, but His answers are shaped by His wisdom and understanding of what is truly good for us. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes we need to wait. We can trust His love in every answer.
How do I trust God when He doesn't give me what I ask for?
It can be difficult when an answer doesn't match what we hoped for. Bring your disappointment honestly to God, remember His character, and ask Him to help you trust His wisdom. His goodness isn't measured by whether every request is answered the way we want.
What does Matthew 7:11 teach us about God's character?
Jesus compares God's care to a parent's desire to give good things to their children. If imperfect human parents know how to give good gifts, how much more can we trust our perfect Heavenly Father to care for us?
How can I become more consistent in prayer?
Set aside a regular time to talk with God, write down your prayer requests, and return to them as you continue praying. You can also keep a record of answered prayers as a reminder of His faithfulness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that I can come to You with anything on my heart. Thank You for hearing my prayers, knowing my needs, and loving me more than I can fully understand. Forgive me for the times I hesitate to ask or struggle to trust Your answers. Help me seek You with a sincere heart and keep coming to You even when I have to wait. When things don't happen the way I hoped, remind me that Your wisdom is greater than mine and Your goodness never changes. Teach me to trust You with both the things I need and the things I cannot understand
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
I love the reminder in this passage that we can bring everything to God. Not just the big, overwhelming things, but the everyday needs, the unanswered questions, and even the little things that are weighing on our hearts.
Sometimes we hold back because we're afraid of the answer or wonder if what we're asking for matters. But God invites us to come to Him. He already knows what we need, and He cares about every detail of our lives.
If you've been waiting on an answer or praying about something that feels impossible, I hope you'll keep bringing it to Him. You may not understand His timing or see how everything will work out, but you can trust the heart of the One you're asking.
Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep trusting.
With Love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
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Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Free Spirit | Personalized Scripture Journal
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, these devotionals may help you find peace:
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