In 1 John 5:14 the apostle writes: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”

This verse is about prayer. I invite you to notice four words: “according to his will.” John is providing a direct instruction about prayer. He is telling his readers—both then and now—to pray for things that are in accord with God’s will. 

Is this something we do?

If we keep asking for things that are purely selfish, is God Almighty duty bound to hear and respond favourably? No. 

If we keep asking to be successful at things that take us further away from God rather than closer, is God Almighty duty bound to hear and respond favourably? No.

John’s instruction is based, of course, on Jesus’ himself. In the Lord’s Prayer he says: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

And not only does Jesus talk the talk but he walks the walk. When in anguish, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before his torture and crucifixion, with great drops of sweat that looked like blood falling from his face, he prayed: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). He always spoke and acted in a way that was consistent with the will of his heavenly Father. 

Brothers and sisters, let’s strive after the will of God in our prayers—for ourselves, for our families, for our friends, for our workplaces, for our communities, for the church, and for the wider world—and be confident in the process that we are being heard by none other than the Lord God the Almighty. 

Notes:

-“How can I pray more effectively?” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.