Many years ago someone coined the phrase, “Failure is frequently the path of least persistence.” Matthew 7:7-8 is about persistence in prayer. Persistence is a hallmark of following Christ. Jesus said, in Luke 9:62, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
There are three imperatives in these verses: ask, seek and knock. They are emphatic and in the present tense. We could translate them as “keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.” They are direct commands, which demand persistent practice.
God’s people should passionately and wholeheartedly pursue God. Our continuing commitment should reflect the promise of Jeremiah 29:13 made to God’s people: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
These verses in the Sermon on the Mount are not directed at unbelievers but believers. Our greatest need as we follow Christ is God. We need His wisdom and grace. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Our blessings and opportunities in this life come through grace. No spiritual progress is possible without His grace. The Christian life is not dependent on our excitement or need but on the grace of God exhibited through His faithful character.
God promises to answer our prayers (verse 8). We are called not simply to offer occasional prayers, but to engage in genuine persistent prayer. Our prayer life must be rooted in God’s truth and reflect obedience. First John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” Obedience to God’s truth is a manifestation of our love for God (John 14:21, 23).
Our motive for prayer must be right. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” The overarching purpose for disciples is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our motive in prayer should be God’s glory.
Our natural tendency is not to pray. D.A. Carson, who is a theologian of our time, says, “The Western world is not characterized by prayer. By and large, to our unspeakable shame, even genuine Christians in the West are not characterized by prayer.” R.A. Torrey, a theologian who lived from 1886 to 1928, wrote, “We do not live in a praying age.” Lack of praying is evident in every time period. However, the great revivals and awakenings have been characterized by prayer. There is no genuine or lasting spiritual advance and growth without real prayer.
Jesus’ life was one of persistent prayer. Just before his death on the cross, he prayed fervently, selflessly and for the glory of his Father. He commands us to pray without ceasing. He promises to answer prayers that come from clear hearts with right motives.
In our persistent asking, seeking and knocking, it is not simply something we desire but someone — God Himself. He promises to answer prayer. That is encouragement enough to pray persistently.