Matt 7:7-11: “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? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

We cannot take this text out of context. These words follow Matthew 6:33, and is followed by vs 15-20 which require good fruits from all believers. We cannot take precedence over God and His kingdom. We are not the center of all things.

Prayer is appointed means for obtaining what we need. Pray, pray often; make a business out of prayer; be serious and earnest in it. Ask, as a beggar asks alms. Ask, as a traveler asks the way. Seek, as for a thing of value that is lost; or as the mechanism that seeks fine pearls. Knock, as he that desires to enter into the house knocks at the door. Whatever you pray for, according to the promise, shall be given, if God see it fit for you, and what would you have more? All are alike welcome to the throne of grace, if they come in faith. Parents are often foolishly fond, but God is all-wise; he knows what is best for us. Let us never suppose our hevaenly Father would bid us pray, and than refuse to hear, or give us what would be harmful.