December 30 1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Understanding the Verse:
•Confidence in Prayer: The term “confidence” (Greek: parrhesia) implies boldness and freedom in speaking. Believers are encouraged to approach God with assurance, knowing they are welcomed into His presence.
•According to His Will: The effectiveness of our prayers is linked to aligning our requests with God’s will. This means seeking what God desires, as revealed in Scripture, and submitting our petitions to His divine wisdom.
•He Hears Us: When our prayers align with His will, God attentively listens and responds. This assurance encourages believers to seek God’s desires in their prayers, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
Practical Implications:
•Alignment with God’s Will: To pray effectively, believers should seek to understand God’s will through Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This involves a heart attuned to God’s desires, moving beyond personal inclinations.
•Confidence in Approach: Understanding that God hears prayers aligned with His will emboldens believers to approach Him with confidence, fostering a deeper relationship and trust in His provision.
•Transformative Prayer Life: Aligning our prayers with God’s will transforms our prayer life, leading to requests that reflect His purposes and result in spiritual growth and fulfillment.
The difficult part of this verse is “according to His will.” Remember Jesus in the Garden praying about what is to come says, “Not my will but thine be done.” Francis Mcnutt taught this should not be used for healing prayers. This is so because it is God’s will for us to be well! On the other hand it is not His will that we live forever.
Also it is helpful to know and remember the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In summary, 1 John 5:14 encourages believers to approach God confidently, ensuring their prayers align with His will, with the assurance that such prayers are heard and answered by Him.
What is helpful and challenging for you in this verse?