And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. – 1 John 5:14-15
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to pray according to God’s will, and whether that phrase limits what we can ask of Him? Far from creating uncertainty, this passage from 1 John is meant to anchor our hearts in assurance. God invites His children to come before Him with confidence, trusting that He listens with care and responds with perfect wisdom.
What does it mean to pray according to God’s will?
Many believers hesitate when they hear the words “according to His will,” as though prayer requires us to solve a mystery before we speak. Scripture does not present God’s will as a barrier to prayer, but as a place of safety. God’s will is always shaped by His goodness, His holiness, and His love for His people. As we grow in His Word, our desires are shaped away from what is sinful or self-centered and toward what honors Him. Within that relationship, we are free to pray honestly, bringing our needs, hopes, and concerns before Him without fear.
How does this passage give us confidence in prayer?
John reminds us that confidence comes from knowing who God is, not from having perfect words or flawless understanding. When God hears us, it means He is attentive and responsive. His answers may not always align with our expectations, but they are always aligned with His character. This truth frees us from timid prayer. We do not approach God as strangers guessing at His intentions, but as beloved children who trust their Father’s heart.
We live in the assurance that God hears us!
When we believe that God truly hears our prayers, our relationship with Him deepens. Prayer becomes less about careful phrasing and more about faithful dependence. We learn to ask boldly while resting in His sovereignty, confident that every answer flows from His wisdom and love. Even when circumstances remain unchanged, our hearts are strengthened by the assurance that we have been heard.
Let this promise guide your prayers today. God’s ear is turned toward you, and His will is always at work for your good and His glory.