Ask, Seek, Knock

(Matthew 7:7–12)

5 Then [Jesus] said to them, “[Suppose one] of you goes to [his] friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread], 6 because [a] friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’

7 And [suppose the one] inside answers, ‘{Do} not bother me. [My] door {is} already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you [anything].’

8 I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of [the man’s] persistence, he will get up [and] give him as much as he needs.

9 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and [the door] will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, [the door] will be opened.

11 What father among you, [if his] son asks for a fish,[fn] will give him a snake instead? 12 Or [if] he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more {will} [your] Father in heaven give [the] Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”