John Calvin Commentary Matthew 7:8

"for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." — Matthew 7:8 (ASV)

For every one that asks receives. Some think that this is a proverbial saying taken from common life, but I am more inclined to a different view. Christ presents the grace of his Father to those who pray. He tells us that God is of himself prepared to listen to us, provided we pray to him, and that his riches are at our command, provided we ask them.

These words imply that those who are destitute of what is necessary, and yet do not resort to this remedy for their poverty, are justly punished for their slothfulness. It is certain, indeed, that often, when believers are asleep, God keeps watch over their salvation and anticipates their wishes. Nothing could be more miserable for us than that, amidst our great indifference, or—I would rather say—amidst our great stupidity, God were to wait for our prayers, or that, amidst our great thoughtlessness, he were to take no notice of us.

Moreover, it is only from himself that he is induced to bestow on us faith, which goes before all prayers in order and in time. But as Christ here addresses disciples, he merely reminds us how our heavenly Father is pleased to bestow on us his gifts. Though he gives all things freely to us, yet, in order to exercise our faith, he commands us to pray, that he may grant to our requests those blessings which flow from his undeserved goodness.