Ask, seek, knock
Today's focusJesus invites us to ask, seek and knock, assuring us that our Father in heaven gives good things to those who ask him — far better than any earthly parent.
Read
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Reflection
Jesus invites you into a persistent and active relationship with God through these three simple actions: "Ask," "seek," and "knock." This is not a call to a single prayer, but a promise that "every one that asketh receiveth." Whether your need is as basic as daily "bread" or as significant as finding a new direction, the Lord encourages you to keep coming to Him. He assures you that your efforts are not in vain, for to the one who knocks, the door "shall be opened."
To help you understand God's heart, Jesus points to the love of an earthly parent. If a child asks for food, a father would not "give him a stone" or a "serpent." Even with our human failings, we still "know how to give good gifts" to our children. Jesus uses this comparison to show you how much more you can trust your "Father which is in heaven." He is not distant or indifferent; He is ready to "give good things" to you simply because you ask Him.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What are you asking God for during this fast, and how does knowing him as a good Father shape the way you ask?
Pray
Father in heaven, you are good and you give good gifts. I bring you my requests openly and honestly. Give me what is truly good, and teach me to trust your answers.