Ask and you shall receive bible verse

Summary

Ask and you shall receive bible verse

Ask and you shall receive bible verse

The Open Door Policy: 60 Bible Verses on “Ask and You Shall Receive”

One of the most staggering promises in the entire Bible is found in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ask and it will be given to you.” It suggests a God who is not reluctant, stingy, or distant, but one who is eager to respond to His children. However, this promise is often misunderstood as a “blank check” rather than a relational covenant.

Below is a curated collection of 60 powerful Bible verses focused strictly on the mandate to ask, the promise of receiving, and the spiritual dynamics of petitionary prayer.

I. The Core Promise: Jesus’ Teachings on Asking The direct commands from Christ regarding petition.

1. Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

2. Matthew 7:8 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

3. Luke 11:9 – “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

4. Luke 11:10 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

5. John 14:13 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

6. John 14:14 – “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

7. John 15:7 – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

8. John 15:16 – “Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

9. John 16:23 – “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

10. John 16:24 – “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

11. Matthew 21:22 – “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

12. Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

13. Matthew 18:19 – “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

II. The Conditions: Confidence, Will, and Motives Verses explaining how to ask correctly.

14. 1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

15. 1 John 5:15 – “And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

16. James 4:2 – “You do not have because you do not ask God.”

17. James 4:3 – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

18. 1 John 3:22 – “and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”

19. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

20. James 1:6 – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

21. Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.”

22. Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

23. Proverbs 15:29 – “The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

24. John 9:31 – “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.”

III. Old Testament Promises of Answering God’s historical track record of responding to the call.

25. Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

26. Psalm 91:15 – “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

27. Isaiah 65:24 – “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

28. Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

29. Psalm 2:8 – “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

30. 1 Chronicles 4:10 – “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel… And God granted his request.”

31. Psalm 20:4 – “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

32. Psalm 20:5 – “May the LORD grant all your requests.”

33. Psalm 21:2 – “You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.”

34. Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

35. Psalm 34:10 – “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.”

36. Psalm 81:10 – “I am the LORD your God… Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”

37. Psalm 145:18 – “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

38. Psalm 145:19 – “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”

39. Proverbs 10:24 – “What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.”

40. Isaiah 58:9 – “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

41. Zechariah 10:1 – “Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms.”

42. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people… pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven.”

IV. Persistence and Specificity Verses encouraging specific and continual asking.

43. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

44. Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

45. Luke 18:1 – “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

46. Matthew 6:8 – “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

47. Matthew 6:11 – “Give us today our daily bread.”

48. Luke 11:13 – “If you then, though you 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!”

49. Matthew 7:11 – “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

50. Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

51. Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.”

52. Psalm 38:15 – “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.”

53. Psalm 55:16 – “As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me.”

54. Psalm 86:7 – “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”

55. Psalm 116:2 – “Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”

56. 1 Samuel 1:27 – “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”

57. 1 Kings 3:5 – “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'”

58. 2 Samuel 22:7 – “In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.”

59. Psalm 10:17 – “You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”

60. Romans 10:12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”

---

25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About “Ask and You Shall Receive”

 

Q1: Does “Ask and you shall receive” mean God will give me anything I want? A: No. It is not a blank check for material desires. It is a promise rooted in a relationship. God gives us what we need and what aligns with His will, just as a good parent gives bread, not a stone (Matthew 7:9).

Q2: Why does it seem like God is ignoring my request? A: God answers in three ways: “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait.” Sometimes the timing isn’t right, or the request isn’t beneficial for your spiritual growth. Silence is not absence; it is often a call to persistence.

Q3: What does it mean to ask “in Jesus’ name”? A: It is not a magic formula to tag onto the end of a prayer. Asking in His name means asking on His merit (not ours) and asking for things that align with His character and mission. It implies saying, “Jesus would want this.”

Q4: Does sin stop God from answering my prayers? A: Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Unconfessed, cherished sin creates a relational blockage. Confession clears the channel for petition.

Q5: Why do I need to ask if God already knows what I need (Matthew 6:8)? A: Asking is for our benefit, not God’s information. It builds relationship, humility, and dependence. It invites God into the situation and prepares our hearts to receive the answer with gratitude.

Q6: What if I ask for something good (like healing) and don’t get it? A: This is the mystery of sovereignty. Paul asked three times for healing, and God said, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor 12:9). Sometimes God answers the need (for grace/strength) rather than the specific want (removal of pain).

Q7: What is the “Prayer of Agreement”? A: Based on Matthew 18:19, it is when two or more believers unite in faith for a specific petition. It emphasizes the power of community and shared faith.

Q8: How does “abiding” affect my prayers? A: John 15:7 says if we abide in Him, we can ask what we wish. When we abide (stay close) to Christ, our desires begin to match His desires, making our prayers naturally aligned with God’s will.

Q9: Is it wrong to ask for money or material things? A: No. Jesus taught us to pray for “daily bread.” Philippians 4:19 says God supplies all needs. However, asking for greed or luxury (“to spend on your pleasures,” James 4:3) is warned against.

Q10: What does it mean to “pray without ceasing”? A: It means maintaining a constant spirit of communication with God throughout the day, turning every worry into a petition instantly.

Q11: Can lack of faith prevent an answer? A: Yes. James 1:6-7 says the doubter “should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” Faith is the currency of the Kingdom.

Q12: How specific should I be when I ask? A: Be very specific. In Mark 10:51, Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Specific prayers get specific answers, which build faith.

Q13: Why does God sometimes wait until the last minute to answer? A: To test our faith and patience. Just as Jesus waited two days before going to Lazarus, God’s delays often set the stage for a greater display of His glory.

Q14: What is the difference between “Seeking” and “Asking”? A: Asking is verbal petition. Seeking is active pursuit (effort). Knocking is persistent action in the face of barriers. They represent increasing levels of intensity.

Q15: Can I ask God for signs? A: While Gideon asked for signs, Jesus warned against a “wicked generation” seeking signs. It is better to ask for wisdom (James 1:5) and guidance through His Word.

Q16: What role does gratitude play in asking? A: Philippians 4:6 says to make requests “with thanksgiving.” Thanking God for past answers is the fuel that powers future requests.

Q17: Does God answer the prayers of non-believers? A: God is sovereign and can answer anyone. However, the specific covenant promises of Matthew 7 and John 15 are directed to “children” of the Father and disciples of Jesus.

Q18: How do I know if my request is God’s will? A: Check it against Scripture. God will never answer a prayer that contradicts His Word. If it aligns with the Bible and promotes love/holiness, it is likely His will.

Q19: What does “delight yourself in the Lord” mean in Psalm 37:4? A: It means finding your ultimate satisfaction in God. When you do this, He shapes your desires so that the “desires of your heart” are actually the things He wants to give you.

Q20: Why do we say “Amen” at the end? A: “Amen” means “Let it be so” or “Truly.” It is a legal seal of faith, affirming that we believe God has heard and will act.

Q21: Is there a limit to how much I can ask for? A: Ephesians 3:20 says He can do “immeasurably more than all we ask.” The limitation is usually our faith, not His resources.

Q22: What if I am angry at God while asking? A: Be honest. The Psalms are full of frustration. God prefers honest wrestling to fake politeness. Pour out your heart (Psalm 62:8).

Q23: Can fasting help my request? A: Yes. Fasting disconnects us from the world and increases spiritual sensitivity, often leading to breakthroughs in prayer (Matthew 17:21).

Q24: What does “open wide your mouth” mean in Psalm 81:10? A: It is a command to have big expectations. Like a baby bird waiting to be fed, we should come to God ready to receive largely.

Q25: How do I deal with disappointment when the answer is “No”? A: Trust that God’s “No” is a protection or a redirection to something better. Trust His character when you cannot trace His hand.

15 Practical Tips for Applying “Ask and Receive” Daily

 

1. The “Specifics” Journal: Start a prayer journal where you write down specific requests on the left side and the date they were answered on the right. This builds a history of faith.

2. The 3-Step Method: Use the acronym ASK: Ask (verbalize), Seek (take action), Knock (persist). Don’t just pray for a job; apply for it (seek) and follow up (knock).

3. Pray the Verse: Instead of just complaining, quote the verse back to God. “Lord, You said in James 1:5 that if I lack wisdom, I can ask. I am asking now.”

4. The “Before” Thanksgiving: When you ask, immediately thank God for hearing you, even before you see the result (Mark 11:24).

5. Check Your Motives: Before asking, pause and ask yourself: “Am I asking this to glorify God or just to satisfy a selfish craving?” (James 4:3).

6. The Prayer Partner: Find someone to agree with you. Matthew 18:19 promises power in agreement. Text them your specific request.

7. The Open Hands Posture: Physically open your hands when you pray. It signifies readiness to receive and surrender of control.

8. Morning Requests: Psalm 5:3 says “In the morning I lay my requests before you.” Make asking the first act of your day, not the last resort.

9. The “Abiding” Check: If prayers aren’t being answered, check your connection. Are you reading the Word? Are you abiding in the Vine (John 15)?

10. Boldness Practice: Identify one “big” thing you have been afraid to ask for. Ask for it today. Hebrews 4:16 commands us to come “boldly.”

11. Limit the “Vain Repetitions”: Don’t just babble. Be concise and faithful. God knows what you need.

12. Forgive First: Before you ask for a big breakthrough, check Mark 11:25. Is there anyone you need to forgive? Unforgiveness clogs the pipe.

13. Ask for Others: Job was restored when he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10). Sometimes your breakthrough comes when you intercede for others.

14. The “Yet” Statement: If the answer hasn’t come, add “yet” to your vocabulary. “He hasn’t answered yet.” Keep knocking.

15. Visualize the Answer: When you pray, visualize the door opening. Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).