“Ask, seek, and knock” may be some of the most familiar words about prayer, but this week’s chapel message reminded students that they are familiar because they are true. Speaking from Matthew 7:7-12, P. John Vivian challenged students to take Jesus at his word and actually do what he says.
P. John explained that the three words describe a progression. Asking is the simplest step: bringing a plain request to God. Seeking goes further. Sometimes God does not answer right away, and we are invited to look for him, often through his Word or in the church. Knocking is the most urgent, like standing at a door and saying, “I need this.” None of these is better or worse than the others. A simple prayer is not a lesser prayer. Jesus promises that everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and to everyone who knocks the door will be opened.
To make the point, he pointed to school life. Students ask their teachers questions, seek help when they are lost, and sometimes show up at a teacher’s door in real need. Most of the time, people help. Jesus uses the same idea in verses 9-11: no father would give his son a stone when he asks for bread. If imperfect people know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will God, who is perfect, give good things to those who ask him?
P. John added that as a parent, he loves giving his children what they ask for and delights in their joy, even though he is far from perfect. How much more, he said, does God love to answer, guide, and correct us?
He closed with a prayer for the humility to ask, the persistence to seek, and the faith to trust that God wants to bless his children.
Takeaway: Simple Prayer, Real Faith
The words may sound like a cliché, but the invitation is simple: bring your needs to God, look for him in his Word, and keep knocking when the need is urgent. Students can start this week by taking one concern, big or small, to God each day.
Reflection question for the week: What is one thing I need to ask, seek, or knock for this week?
