The Nature and Efficacy of Prayer
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you:


I. THE PRECEPT.

1. The nature of the duty.

2. A few of our obligations to this holy duty:

(1)  The Divine command.

(2)  The pious example of holy men.

(3)  It is reasonable.

3. Some of the motives by which it is enforced:

(1)  Its necessity.

(2)  Its great importance in preparing the mind for the duties of the sanctuary and the family.

(3)  Another motive arises from the maintenance of the power of religion within us.

(4)  The pleasure of walking with God is a powerful incentive.

II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT which the text affords us.

1. The promise itself.

2. Its Divine fulness.

(1)  It comprehends every human being that presents his prayer for relief.

(2)  The quality of the blessing — "good things."Two reflections:

1. How happy is the believer.

2. How important to know the medium of acceptable prayer.

(J. E. Good.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

WEB: "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.




The Generous Challenge
Top of Page
Top of Page