Matthew 7:7-11 contains a universal transdispensational principle concerning prayer. It teaches us that the purpose of prayer is to draw us into deeper fellowship with God. Jesus gives us three essential thoughts about prayer.
Ask...be sincere and keep on asking Seek...be diligent and keep on seeking Knock...be persistent and keep on knocking
1. We must protect ourselves from self-centered prayer! James 4:1-10, 1 John 2:15-17 2. We must focus on pryaing for one another! Job 42:10, Hebrews 4:14-16, Colossians 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, 23 3. We must always pray according to God's will! 1 John 5:13-15, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
The Apostle Paul's own testimony concerning praying according to God's will, was that he asked God three times; he sought to have a specific prayer request answered; he knocked until God answered him according to His will. It was not what Paul prayed for, but it was what God planned for Paul in order to bring glory to the Lord! Paul was under direct attack by Satan, and the Lord used that attack to keep Paul in a position of humility and physical weakness that the power of Christ would rest upon him.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
My dear friends, it is easy to become myopic, focusing only on ourselves, when navigating the difficult circumstances that befall us, whether they be physical trials, or emotional trials, or financial trials, or spiritual trials. May we learn, as Paul did, to rest in the grace of God, casting all our care upon Him because He cares for us.
1 Timothy 2:5-6: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
