Drawing CloserSample

Prayer | Prayer is Persistent

When the Bible talks about asking, seeking and knocking, it’s not referring to three different levels of prayer. It’s actually talking about the three different categories of persistent prayer: asking God to meet your needs, seeking Him and His kingdom, and knocking on doors of opportunity to reach people in His name.

ASKING (inward prayer): Come before God and persistently ask Him to meet your needs. Begin by asking God for His will and His guidance. Then ask Him for His daily provision—don’t just take it for granted. Finally, ask God for His forgiveness, mercy and protection.

SEEKING (upward prayer): When you seek God, don’t merely seek after God’s hand; rather seek His face. God longs to know, love and help you. Start focusing on Him and His kingdom, and He’ll draw you into a deeper relationship with Him. Out of that relationship, you’ll begin to experience His presence and get to know His feelings, His desires and even His hurts.

KNOCKING (outward prayer): The Bible refers to doors as opportunities for ministry or opportunities to share the gospel and minister to others. God longs to know, love and help people through you. You need to pray for your family, your neighbors and co-workers. Pray for doors of ministry to be opened to reach people for God’s glory.

God is calling you to develop a personal relationship with Him; one in which you are persistently asking, seeking and knocking. What are you asking for today? What are you seeking? And on what door do you need to be knocking?

Memory Verse

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7