“Ask, Seek, and Knock”
“7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT)
To me this verse defines “Effective Prayer.” Jesus is commanding us not to give up pursuing our communion with God. Paul even states “we are to pray without ceasing.” In other words, to have constant communion with God through Jesus Christ.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV))
We may not get the answer we want, but if we fervently keep on pressing – we will have the answer we need. God is good! He does not withhold any of His goodness. He causes the rain to fall on the good and the bad, the righteous and the unrighteous. In His great love for us He gave us free will. We make choices that effect the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The more honest, the more generous, the more charitable, the more loving, gentle, kind and sacrificial our choices, the more freedom and power the Holy Spirit has to work in and through our lives.