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Is “Ask and You Shall Receive” in the Bible? Exploring the Power of Prayer – Viral Believer
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Is “Ask and You Shall Receive” in the Bible? Exploring the Power of Prayer

There is a popular saying in the Christian world: “Ask and you shall receive”. This short expression is both a promise and an encouragement from God to us to approach Him with our needs, desires, and burdens. Many believers have testified to the life-changing power of prayer and the countless ways that God has answered their petitions. But is this phrase found in the Bible? And if so, what does it teach us about asking God for the things we need?

In the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, there are several passages that address this idea of “Ask and you shall receive”. In this blog post, we will explore these scriptures, discuss their context, and examine the key takeaways to apply in our own lives. As we delve deeper into God’s Word, we will gain a clearer understanding of this promise, its limitations, and how to approach the throne of grace with confidence and humility.

Key Takeaways:

  1. “Ask and you shall receive” is based on multiple Bible verses.
  2. It teaches us the power of prayer and the importance of faith.
  3. The passages must be understood in context, bearing in mind the qualifications and conditions that come with the promise.
  4. We should ask with the right motives and in accordance with God’s will.
  5. The Bible encourages us to be persistent in prayer.

The Foundation of “Ask and You Shall Receive”

“Ask and you shall receive” is founded upon several Bible verses found in the New Testament. One of the main passages where this concept is presented is in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus says, “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” (NKJV).

Another key passage is found in John 16:24, where Jesus states, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (NKJV). These passages reveal that God is indeed willing to hear and respond to our prayers, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Him.

Understanding the Context: Qualifications and Conditions

It’s important to understand the context in which Jesus issued these promises in the Scriptures. Jesus was teaching His disciples about prayer and His intention was to encourage them to approach God with confidence and faith. However, the promise of “Ask and you shall receive” is not a blanket guarantee that every prayer will be answered exactly as we desire.

James 4:3 addresses the issue of misplaced motives, stating, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (NKJV). In this scripture, we learn that our motives matter when we present our requests to God. We must approach Him with humility and with a heart that desires the accomplishment of His will, not just the fulfillment of our own ambitions.

Asking with the Right Motives

When we ask God for something, it is crucial that our motives are aligned with His will and purposes. We ought not to bring our requests before Him with selfish ambitions or ulterior motives. Instead, our focus should be on how our petitions align with His heart and intentions.

1 John 5:14-15 elaborates on this point, advising us that when we ask in accordance with God’s will, He hears and responds to us. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (NKJV). Such alignment with God’s will helps ensure that our prayers are not self-serving but rather focused on furthering His kingdom and righteousness on earth.

The Importance of Faith and Trust

When we make our requests to God, an essential component of prayer is having faith in His ability and willingness to respond to our needs. Jesus often emphasized the importance of faith in receiving answers to prayer. In Matthew 21:22, He said, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (NKJV).

In addition, in Mark 11:24, Jesus states, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (NKJV). These verses highlight that our trust in God’s power and character is key to the effectiveness of our prayers. Acknowledging and putting our hope in His sovereignty enables us to be receptive to both the gifts that He bestows and the circumstances that He allows.

Persistence in Prayer: Keep Knocking

Although “Ask and you shall receive” might imply instant responses to our prayers, the Bible encourages us to be persistent in bringing our requests to God. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares a parable that teaches His followers to persist in prayer and not lose heart, illustrating the importance of making our requests known to God repeatedly and with determination.

Likewise, in Luke 11:5-13, Jesus tells a parable that demonstrates the value of continually knocking at the door of our Heavenly Father for help and mercy. This idea of staying persistent in prayer is crucial for believers, as it reinforces our reliance on and relationship with God, maintaining a healthy communication channel between us and Him.

In Conclusion: Embracing the Promise of Prayer

“Ask and you shall receive” is a phrase found in the Bible that permeates the teachings of Jesus on prayer. While it promises God’s responsiveness to our needs, it also calls us to approach Him with the right motives, in accordance with His will, and with steadfast faith. Additionally, it encourages us to persist in prayer, despite the waiting and the possible delays in receiving answers to our petitions.

As we fully embrace the promise of God’s willingness to listen and respond to our prayers, let us approach Him with humility and align our hearts with His purposes. Let us also trust His wisdom and timing, understanding that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. May our prayer lives be enriched as we apply the principles found in these precious words of Jesus: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, NKJV).

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.