Confidence in Prayer 2

“We can approach God with confidence in this: if we make our requests which accord with his will, he listens to us; and if we know that our requests are heard, we know that the things we ask for are ours.” (1 John 5: 14 – 15)

“John sees prayer as having a wide scope for he speaks of asking for anything, but he immediately qualifies this “according to his will.” Prayer is not a device for inducing God to change his mind and do whatever we want. It must be offered in accordance with his will if it is to be effective. When it is offered in this way God hears us. Elsewhere we learn that prayer must be in faith (Mark 11: 24), in the name of Jesus (John 14: 14), offered by those who abide in Christ (John 15: 7), who have forgiven those who offend them (Mark 11:25); it must be accompanied by obedience (1 John3: 22), and it must not be for the gratification of one’s passions (James 4: 3). All this is involved in praying according to the will of God. From the thought that God hears us we move to the consequences, namely that he grants our requests.” (New Bible Commentary)