The Bible contains numerous verses encouraging us to ask, seek, and knock. Here are some of the most prominent:
* Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." (This is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and is often quoted).
* Luke 11:9-10: This is a parallel passage to Matthew 7:7-8 and reiterates the same message.
* John 14:13-14: "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." (This comes with the important condition of asking "in Jesus' name," implying that we are asking in accordance with His will and for purposes that glorify God).
* John 16:24: "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
* James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (This specifically addresses asking for wisdom).
* 1 John 5:14-15: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (This emphasizes that our prayers should align with God's will).
These are some of the most direct and well-known verses, but the general theme of prayer and seeking God's help is woven throughout the entire Bible. We are encouraged to bring our needs, concerns, and desires to God through prayer.
It's important to remember that these verses are often interpreted with the understanding that our requests should be made in faith, according to God's will, and for purposes that ultimately glorify Him. They are not a guarantee that we will receive everything we ask for, but rather an assurance that God hears our prayers and will answer in a way that is best for us and for His overall plan.