“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Grammar lessons usually take you back to a boring English class with lessons on syntax and exercises in diagramming sentences.  

But regardless of such school day memories, take a quick look at a grammar lesson on the three little words – ask, seek, and knock.

All three of these words have the identical grammatical format. They are all present tense, which means that Jesus is saying that this action is in process – with no end in sight. It’s ongoing. In other words, Jesus is implying here: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking! It is to be a way of life not a passing fad.

Additionally, each verb is also in the identical active voice. This grammatical emphasis here is on YOU. YOU are the one to keep doing it. YOU are the one to continue to be engaged in the process. YOU are to keep on asking. YOU are to keep on seeking. YOU are to keep on knocking. No one but YOU can do this for YOU.

Furthermore, all three words – ask, seek, knock – are in the imperative mood. This means it’s not an option. It’s not up for committee vote. It is non-negotiable. And the reason this action of asking and seeking and knocking is to be an absolute action is because of the one who invites you to do it – Jesus.

Now, all of that may be more (immeasurably more?) of a grammar lesson than you may have wanted, but here’s the point: Jesus wants you, right now and always, to pray. It’s an invitation. But not a one-time invitation, it’s an ongoing invitation specifically intended for you.  

So, what is going on in your life for which you can be asking, seeking, and knocking?

And what about the ministry of your church for which you are doing a capital campaign? God’s invitation is there for you to ask, seek, and knock because He has immeasurably more that He wants to reveal through this ministry. How about accepting that invitation?