1 John 5
I suspect that these verses are used out of context quite frequently and perhaps not well understood. For myself, I know I can use a more authoritative view on these verses so here is what John MacArthur says*:
To pray according to God’s will is to pray in accord with what He would want, not what we would desire or insist that He do for us (John 14:13-14). John already specified that answered prayer also depends on obedience to God’s commandments and avoidance of sin (3:21; Psalm 66:18; John 15:7; 1 Peter 3:7). Since genuine believers know God’s Word (i.e., His will) and practice those things that are pleasing to Him, they never insist on their own will, but supremely seek God’s desires (Matthew 27:39–42). He hears us. The word hear signifies that God always hears the prayers of His children (Psalms 34:15–17), but not always in the manner they are presented.
*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64220-64224). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
It is comforting that God hears our cries and responds to all prayers.
Two takeaways:
1. God's will is always what we should desire (as we exist to glorify Him) and so we should be motivated to better understand His will (see also Romans 12:2)
2. Sin separates us from God and "hinders" our prayers - so this should motivate us to avoid sin and draw us closer to Him.
My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God who loves me and who hears and responds to my prayers - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of a God who loves me so - my sin weighs me down and hinders me. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give sLisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. v14-15
I suspect that these verses are used out of context quite frequently and perhaps not well understood. For myself, I know I can use a more authoritative view on these verses so here is what John MacArthur says*:
To pray according to God’s will is to pray in accord with what He would want, not what we would desire or insist that He do for us (John 14:13-14). John already specified that answered prayer also depends on obedience to God’s commandments and avoidance of sin (3:21; Psalm 66:18; John 15:7; 1 Peter 3:7). Since genuine believers know God’s Word (i.e., His will) and practice those things that are pleasing to Him, they never insist on their own will, but supremely seek God’s desires (Matthew 27:39–42). He hears us. The word hear signifies that God always hears the prayers of His children (Psalms 34:15–17), but not always in the manner they are presented.
*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64220-64224). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
It is comforting that God hears our cries and responds to all prayers.
Two takeaways:
1. God's will is always what we should desire (as we exist to glorify Him) and so we should be motivated to better understand His will (see also Romans 12:2)
2. Sin separates us from God and "hinders" our prayers - so this should motivate us to avoid sin and draw us closer to Him.
My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God who loves me and who hears and responds to my prayers - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of a God who loves me so - my sin weighs me down and hinders me. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give sLisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
