Confidence in Prayer: Aligning with God's Will 1 John 5:14
Introduction:
Today, we delve into a crucial aspect of our Christian life—prayer. Our foundational verse is 1 John 5:14 (NLT), which says, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” This verse is a powerful reminder that our prayers are not just words spoken into the air but a conversation with a God who hears us. Yet, the effectiveness of our prayers hinges on one vital condition: they must align with God's will.
In our time together, we will explore three key points: the confidence we have in approaching God, the importance of praying according to His will, and the assurance we have in His response. As we unpack these truths, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding and transform our prayer lives.
I. The Confidence We Have in Approaching God
The verse begins with a profound declaration: “And we are confident…” This confidence is not self-assurance or arrogance; it is rooted in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Because of what Christ has done, we can approach God with boldness.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) echoes this truth: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
This boldness comes from the knowledge that we are children of God, and He is a loving Father who delights in hearing from His children.
The Greek word for confidence used in 1 John 5:14 is parresia, which means freedom of speech, boldness, or confidence. This term was used in ancient Greek society to describe the right of a citizen to speak openly in the assembly. In the context of prayer, it signifies the freedom and boldness we have in speaking to God, knowing that He welcomes us into His presence.
Think of a child who runs to their parent with a request. There’s no hesitation, no fear of rejection, just pure confidence in their parent’s love. That’s how we should approach God—knowing that He loves us and desires to hear from us.
Do you approach God with this level of confidence? If not, what’s holding you back? Remember that your confidence is not based on your worthiness but on Christ’s work on your behalf. The next time you pray, come boldly, knowing that you are welcomed and loved.
II. The Importance of Praying According to God's Will
The second part of our verse highlights a condition: “…whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” Our confidence in prayer is directly linked to praying according to God’s will. But how do we know what God’s will is?
Romans 12:2 (NLT) provides insight: “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
As we allow God to transform our minds, we begin to understand His will. The more we align our desires with His, the more our prayers will reflect His will.
The phrase "that pleases him" in 1 John 5:14 can also be translated as "according to His will." The Greek word for "pleases" or "will" is thelema, which refers to what one wishes or has determined shall be done. God's will is His perfect plan and purpose, and our prayers should align with that.
Imagine a musician tuning their instrument to the correct pitch. When it’s in tune, the music is beautiful and harmonious. In the same way, when our prayers are in tune with God’s will, they are powerful and effective.
Are your prayers aligned with God’s will? Spend time in His Word and in His presence to understand His desires. As you do, your prayers will naturally begin to reflect His will, and you’ll see the power of prayer at work in your life.
III. The Assurance of God's Response
The final assurance in our verse is that God hears us when we pray according to His will. This hearing is not just passive listening; it’s an active engagement with our requests.
In Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT), Jesus assures us: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
This promise reinforces that God responds to the prayers of His people. When we ask, seek, and knock according to His will, we can be confident that He will respond.
The Greek word for "hears" in 1 John 5:14 is akouo, which means to listen, to comprehend, to heed. This implies more than just hearing words; it means that God understands and responds to our prayers.
Think of a parent who hears their child cry out in the night. The parent doesn’t just hear the sound; they immediately get up to comfort and care for the child. That’s how God responds to our prayers—He hears, He understands, and He acts.
Do you believe that God hears and answers your prayers? If you’ve been praying according to His will, rest assured that He is listening and will respond in His perfect timing. Trust in His promises and keep praying with faith.
Conclusion:
As we close, let’s reflect on the truth of 1 John 5:14: “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” This verse invites us into a deeper, more confident prayer life—one that is rooted in our relationship with God, aligned with His will, and assured of His response.
Call to Action:
I challenge you today to examine your prayer life. Are you approaching God with confidence? Are your prayers aligned with His will? And do you trust that He hears and will respond? If you’ve been hesitant in your prayers, take this opportunity to renew your commitment to pray with boldness, to seek His will, and to trust in His promises.
Remember, prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a powerful connection with our Heavenly Father. Let’s commit to praying with confidence, knowing that when we ask according to His will, He hears us and will answer. May your prayer life be transformed as you draw closer to Him, and may you see His power at work in and through your prayers.
Amen.
