For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Read Chapter 11
A Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian
AD 255
Let us with all our hearts seek for what we have lost, that we may be able to find; because "to him that seeketh "says the Scripture, "it shall be given, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Let us ask, and we shall receive; and if there be delay and tardiness in our receiving, since we have grievously offended, let us knock, because "to him that knocketh also it shall be opened"
How comes it to pass then, that many pray, and receive not? To this we answer, that if they approach in a proper manner, and observe the necessary conditions of the petition, they will undoubtedly receive what they ask for; but if, on the contrary, they deviate from this rule, and ask not, as they ought, they will not receive; because as St. James says, you ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss. (Chap. i.) By asking for things that are prejudical to your well-being; or, if for spiritual blessings, you do not receive them, on account of your evil motives. (Origen in St. Thomas Aquinas)
