Confidence in Prayer

INTRODUCTION

Imagine for a moment that you have been granted a private audience with a powerful and benevolent king. This king has invited you into his throne room, and he listens attentively to every word you say. He knows your needs, your desires, and your fears, and he has the power to fulfill your requests. How would you feel in that moment? How would you approach him? Would you speak with hesitation, or would you boldly present your requests, knowing that he cares deeply for you?

Brothers and sisters, we have been granted an even greater privilege. We have access to the King of kings, the Creator of the universe, who invites us to come before Him with confidence. Today, we will delve into the powerful message contained in 1 John 5:14-15, which speaks to the heart of our relationship with God, particularly our confidence in prayer.

FOUR TRUTHS TO PRAYER:

I.Confidence in Approaching God:

John begins by stating, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God.” Confidence here is not arrogance or presumption; it is a bold assurance rooted in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As children of God, we have the privilege of coming before Him with the assurance that He welcomes us and hears us.

II. Asking According to His Will:

The key phrase in this passage is “according to his will.” This is crucial. Prayer is not a means to manipulate God into fulfilling our desires but an opportunity to align ourselves with His will. Jesus modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). When we seek God’s will in our prayers, we acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom.

III.God Hears Us:

John assures us that “if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” This is a profound promise. God, the Creator of the universe, is attentive to our prayers. He is not distant or indifferent; He listens to our petitions and responds with love and wisdom. This should encourage us to pray with faith and trust.

VI: Receiving What We Asked:

Finally, John concludes with the promise that “if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” This does not mean that God grants every request in the way we expect. Rather, it means that God responds in the best possible way, in alignment with His perfect will and timing. Sometimes His answer is “yes,” sometimes “no,” and sometimes “wait,” but we can trust that His response is always for our ultimate good.

APPLICATION:

1. Pray with Confidence: Approach God with the bold assurance that He loves you, listens to you, and desires the best for you.

2. Seek His Will: In your prayers, seek to understand and align with God’s will. This requires time in His Word and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

3. Trust His Response: Have faith that God’s answers to your prayers, whatever they may be, are part of His good and perfect plan for your life.