When you consider how to ask, seek, knock in prayer, you should think about the Psalms.

“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, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

This is King David’s solemn desire, expressed in Psalm 27:4. To dwell in the house of the Lord was too long for God and holiness.

Ask, Seek, Knock

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus tells us:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Yet, we need guidance on how to ask, seek, and knock in a way that is compatible with the good things God desires to give us. These are things beyond those that might quickly satisfy a passing whim but then leave us feeling empty. They are genuine good things that will lead us further along our journey to holiness.

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When we consider Jesus’ invitation to ask, seek, and knock, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it holiness?

Ordered toward Holiness

Remember Tevya singing “If I Were a Rich Man” in Fiddler on the Roof? He mentions that if he were rich, he wouldn’t have to work hard, build a tall house, and fill his yard with geese.

Of course, all these things might immediately come to mind for anyone dreaming about riches. Yet, the beauty of Tevya’s most ardent desire arises at the song’s heart.

“If I were rich, I’d have the time that I lack to sit in the synagogue and pray, and maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall, and I’d discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day. That would be the sweetest thing of all.”

That humble Jewish father understood that all blessings should enable a person to fulfill his most essential duty: to know, love, and serve the Lord in this life so that he may be joined with Him forever in heaven.

Many modern people crave wealth, fame, knowledge, or admiration. While none of these is wrong in themselves, we must ask ourselves: Do we seek holiness?

If we work toward holiness, those other aspects might be added to us, and they will not harm our souls. Yet we have only to look upon the Hollywood elites to see that fame, fortune, intelligence, and admiration can lead to our moral demise if we are not first rooted in God’s ways.

Wisdom of Solomon

King Solomon was the biblical figure who received an offer to fulfill any wish, as told in 2 Chronicles 1:7–12. Solomon considered the many possibilities and eventually requested a portion of God’s great wisdom to rule his people well and fulfill his kingly responsibility.

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In making this humble choice, it seems he already displayed astounding wisdom.

“[Solomon replied]…‘You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of Yours?’”

As any parent can imagine, God was pleased with Solomon’s humble request. He happily granted Solomon’s request, responding:

“Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or …[even] long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are given to you.

I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.”

Thus, King Solomon was known throughout the ages as the wisest king whose kingdom was filled with the greatest splendor. We can learn from this holy king to submit a humble request to do our duties well, no matter our given state in life.

When we ask, seek, knock after virtues that will allow us to be more Christlike, God will answer our request until we are truly fulfilled.