“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11 (CSB)

Jesus teaches about prayer by giving us insight into an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. As we read these words of Jesus, we must understand prayer in light of living in the Kingdom of God: drawing closer to the heart and desire of our Father. Oh, what a heart our Father has for His pleading children who so desperately desire to taste more of the Kingdom of God here on Earth!

The process of prayer is clear in these verses. To experience more of His Kingdom, we must: ask for what we desire in Him, seek for what we lack in Him, and knock for what we long to see Him open. As we reflect on these things, our hearts should long for more of His presence here on Earth – to see the world impacted for His name. As we pray in this way, may we personally experience what is given, what is found, and what is opened for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Pray:

> That you would draw closer to your Heavenly Father so that you may better understand His heart and desires for the world.

> In each of the ways Jesus teaches: Ask for what you desire in Him, seek for what you lack in Him, and knock for what you long to see Him open.

> That as a church we would experience answered prayers for the Kingdom of God.