The command (“Ask!”) and the assurance (“It will be given to you!”) are Jesus’ answer to the disciple who asks, “Lord, teach us to pray.” The Master is not merely delivering interesting notes to read, then file away. Look closer. The request is, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). A key part of Jesus’ answer is, “Ask, and it will be given to you.” Ask about what? Many things, but the subject under consideration is learning to pray. Do you see where this is leading?
The promise of Luke 11 rightfully can apply to a whole range of requests. But look again at its most immediate context. The disciple is asking to learn prayer! In reply to His asking, Jesus tells this disciple to “ask… seek… knock.” In other words, put to use whatever prayer-ability you now have, by asking God for effectiveness in prayer. Seek better prayer habits. Knock on the door by applying all the faith you can muster to your request. “Everyone” who thus asks receives. “Everyone” in the divine promise certainly includes you and me.
What is the next step? Take that stronger ability to pray which God has recently given you—even if it seems small as a mustard seed—and put it to use. Ask for yet more improvement. Seek a more surrendered attitude, more humility in success, more maturity in what to seek, and more of a sense of assurance. Let God’s answer work in you through your own active submission: deeper study of His word, and more honest application of what you learn.
Do you see the upward spiral of continual growth that is bound to result? By continual asking at each level of development you are doing exactly what Jesus, in Luke 11, gives as His answer for learning prayer: persistence. If persistence overcomes earthly reluctance, how much more will God—your loving, willing, heavenly Father—supply your needs. If imperfect parents give good gifts, “how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13). Again, think of the context. You are not struggling alone, in merely human strength. God gives you His Spirit! As we learn later in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit strengthens your inner self (Ephesians 3:16) and helps your prayers (Romans 8:26-27). Thus each persistent step leads to the next. One stage in the maturing process becomes a launching pad for the next. And so it goes on, higher and higher, from glory to glory.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).