I was reading a post on the International House of Prayer (IHOP) site today, titled Praying the Word for Others, and one of the comments cited this passage:
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARS US. And we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
(1 John 5:14-15)
Most have read this passage many times, but the depth of all that John is expressing here penetrated my heart much more deeply this time.
- If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Even if you don’t feel close to God today. Even if you missed your quiet time today or all week… if you pray according to His will, He will hear you (and as I’ll reiterate below, He will answer you!)
- whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Not only does He hear us as we pray according to His will, He answers! It seems overly simple, but when we think about this as we pray for the salvation of family members, for revival, or for growth in our relationship with Him, if it’s His will, we can expect His answers!
- we know that He hears us…we know that we have the petitions we have asked of Him.
We know. We know. Sensing assurance through this repetition? And previously: this is the confidence that we have in Him. It is the confidence. We know we have it. It’s a done deal.
- this is the confidence that we have in Him
Now that gives me greater hope and trust in my Saviour. Expectation for answers to prayer. Trust for salvation of souls. Hope for breakthroughs, restoration, and revival. Confidence that He hears our prayers as we ask according to His will, knowing that He isn’t just going to answer them, He is answering them!
“Our prayer becomes effectual, POWERFUL, fervent, DIRECT and humble when we present ourselves and others before the Throne Of Grace; when we pray according to His desires, rather than our own.”
(Comment from Praying the Word for Others post)
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Hmmm, good thoughts on a precious passage! I think also of the passage in James–”the effective prayer of a righteous (as in, saved) man can accomplish much!”
Blessings!
Abigail @ Pearls and Diamonds