Asking

The act of making requests of another, as an expression of dependence. Scripture encourages believers to ask things of God in prayer, and gives guidance concerning the motivation in doing so.

Asking as an aspect of human relationships

Examples of everyday requests

Joshua 4:20–22; Ecclesiastes 7:10; 1 Peter 3:15 See also Exodus 3:22; Deuteronomy 32:7; 1 Samuel 12:19 The people asked for a king; 2 Kings 2:3; Nehemiah 2:1–2; Daniel 2:10–11; Matthew 2:1–2 the Magi seek the king of the Jews; Luke 2:46 Jesus Christ asks questions in the temple; John 4:9; Romans 16:1–2; Galatians 2:9–10; Philemon 1:21

And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Examples of stronger appeals

Philippians 4:2–3 See also Genesis 50:17; Exodus 5:15; Luke 23:20; Acts 25:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1

I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Asking as an aspect of prayer

General petitions

Matthew 7:7–11 parallel Luke 11:9–13Philippians 4:6 See also Deuteronomy 18:16; Judges 6:39; 1 Samuel 1:20; 1 Chronicles 16:4; 2 Chronicles 6:32–33; Job 6:8–9; Psalm 5:3; Proverbs 30:7–8; Matthew 9:37–38; 1 Timothy 2:1

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. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Frequent requests for guidance or insight

2 Samuel 2:1; Ephesians 1:17 See also Genesis 25:21–22; Exodus 33:7; Joshua 9:14; 1 Samuel 23:1–2; 2 Kings 8:7–8; 1 Chronicles 21:29–30; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Isaiah 58:2; Jeremiah 10:21; Colossians 1:9; James 1:5

Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

The grounds for asking

According to God's will

1 John 5:14–15

And this is the confidence that we have before Him: 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 already possess what we have asked of Him.

Trusting in God's great mercy

See also Daniel 9:18

In the name of Jesus Christ

John 14:13 See also John 16:23–27

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

In faith

Matthew 21:22 parallel Mark 11:24James 1:6

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.