If I were brave enough to try rock climbing, I’d be sure to get the right training and gear, but I’d also need a lot of persistence. Step by careful step will eventually get me to the top of the mountain.
Persistence is also needed in prayer. The Bible tells us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Simply put, that’s A-Ask, S-Seek, K-Knock. How do we do that?
ASK: The Greek root word for “ask” can also mean “to beg.” A person who begs continues to ask with urgency. They plead their case. “God, we seriously need this! I’m at the end of my resources. Please help!”
SEEK: If we’re seeking an answer from God, we persist in our searching; we don’t give up! “God, You are the only One who can truly help, because You are in control.” Sometimes He gives us Scriptures that are like steppingstones—one leads to another, until we find the wisdom and strength we need.
KNOCK: When we knock on a door, we wait and listen for footsteps, expecting someone to answer. “God, I know you are listening to my prayer. I expect to see Your compassion, mercy, and justice because that’s who You are!”
Do you believe God is going to answer your prayer? This is a key element. If you doubt, don’t expect an answer, because you’ll be like waves tossed by the wind (James 1:5,6). God might not respond to you in exactly the way or timeframe you expect; quite likely you’ll have to wait. But if you have faith in Him, He will in some way respond to your prayer.
God promises, “You will find me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Also, “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
What are you praying for? For truth, for wisdom? For a revival to cleanse our land of hatred, violence, and fear? Then pray with perseverance, passion, and expectation. Don’t give up! ASK and keep on asking!