The disciples wanted some tips from Jesus on how to pray.  They noticed he prayed regularly and had an amazing relationship with the Father.  Jesus was praying “in a certain place.”  Jesus prayed purposefully.  He went to a certain place.  It was not “on the way to”, or where was “convenient”.  We can have a “certain place” be it in a special chair, at home, at church, in the park, or even in our car.  When I was employed in an office, my car became my “certain place” at lunch.  I had a VW van so there was lots of space in the back seat.  I parked my car in the shade of the parking garage where there would be little traffic at lunch time.  I spent my lunch hour eating then praying purposefully.  Some days I would walk on the roof of the parking structure singing and praying aloud.  I think the only person who saw me was the security guard watching the garage monitor.

Notice “when he finished.”  There is a start and stop to a prayer session.  Yes we are told to pray continually, but there is a kind of prayer that has specific purpose.  Grace at meals, or opening of a meeting are specific examples of prayer times.  Yet, there are times when we press in for a specific event or situation.  These also have start and stop times or else you will be overwhelmed and scattered in whatever normal duties you may have.  Ruminating over a situation is not prayer.  It’s worry.

Jesus tells us what to say, not think.  The mouth is linked to the heart.  What you say will be what you believe.  Conversely, what you believe is what you will say.  Whichever part you want to effect, you must verbalize it.

First, who are you addressing?  The Father.  What is his characteristic?  He is holy.  Where does he dwell?  In heaven.  What does he do there?  He reigns in his kingdom.  We are addressing the 3rd heaven where God and the heavenly hosts dwell in perfect worship and harmony.  We are asking that this holy kingdom of the 3rd heaven to come to earth.

Earth is the 1st heaven where our daily bread is needed, so we are asking. In order for the 3rd heaven to enter the 1st heaven, we must deal with the 2nd heaven which is where sin and death reigns.  Forgiveness is the secret strategy that removes the power of sin and death.  Temptation is the lure to sin which gives the 2nd heaven power to block the transition from the 3rd heaven from reaching earth.
    
Jesus goes on to tell us to ask boldly of the Father regardless of circumstances.  How many times have we failed to ask someone for something because we decide in our own minds that “they are too busy, they would not want to anyway, we don’t deserve it”, or even we are too afraid to speak up?  Be bold.

Ask, seek, knock.  In order to ask, we have to verbalize.  Verbalization gives clarity and power to our request.  I want a new dress, or an ice-cream, or a car is much more definitive than “something.”  Seeking is to purposefully put yourself in activities that will bring about the request.  If you want to be more physically fit, then you must go to a gym to exercise and not a shoe store to try on shoes.  Our manner of seeking will determine our success.  Working out in a gym once a month will not bring results as three to four times a week workouts.  Knock means to take hold of the prize.  When you find that perfect dress, get it or put it on lay away.  When you find that special someone to marry, get connected.  Don’t just sit on the side and wish.

In verse 13, Jesus is more specific about what we should ask, seek, and knock for—The Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the ultimate continuing gift from the Father—daily living, solving problems, receiving favor, divine encounters, prosperity, health, wealth, wisdom, fulfillment and MUCH MORE!!  It is by the Holy Spirit that the Kingdom comes to earth.  Ask, seek, knock.  Verbalize, look for, and grab hold of the Holy Spirit.