Monday, February 11, 2019: 1 John 5:14

Monday, February 11, 2019:  1 John 5:14

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”

When you were growing up, there were probably some questions you could ask a parent and the answer would always be, “Yes!” Can I clean the dishes? Can I take out the trash? Can I stay home from that wild party I was invited to and do my homework, instead? Similarly, there were also questions you knew would be met with a firm, “No!” You probably knew not to ask, “Can I drive four of my friends in your brand-new car on a weekend road trip?” An understanding of our parents’ intentions and desires helped to direct the questions we asked them. 

1 John 5:14 assures us the same principle is true in prayer. John tells us if we pray in line with God’s will, He hears us. But God doesn’t have a secret list of questions somewhere with the headings, “Answer Yes” and “Answer No.” Prayer is not about figuring out what God will say “Yes” to, but about aligning our will to His as we grow in relationship with Jesus. We are sinful and we don’t always know what is best, so when we depend on our own wisdom in prayer we cannot have full confidence that our prayers will be answered. Our only confidence in prayer is Jesus’ righteousness given to us at the cross, as well as the direction His Spirit now gives us to follow Him.

Is your prayer life more about trying to get God to see things from your point of view or about longing to see things from His point of view? As you grow, study Scripture, and seek the will of God, your life will become increasingly God-centered. Rather than focusing on what you want, you’ll focus on what God wants. Understanding His intentions and desires will help to direct the questions you ask Him in prayer.

  • What is something you’re currently asking God for in prayer? How does 1 John 5:14 speak to you about that?
  • Pray: Thank God for the privilege and confidence you have in prayer because of Jesus. Ask God to help you better understand His will and intentions so that your desires will continue to align with His.