John wanted believers to be confident in coming before God. What reason does he give for this confidence? Share your answer or a comment on today’s reading in the reply box at the bottom of the page.
Today’s Scripture: 1 John 5:13-21 (S.O.A.P. 1 John 5 14-15)
That You May Know 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to his will He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Prayer should be rooted in understanding God’s will and promises according to His Word. It shows our will is aligned with His and we are dependent on Him.
Romans 8:32
He who did NOT spare His only Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also along with Jesus, graciously give us ALL THINGS.
Thank you Father that we can come to you in prayer and ask the desires of our hearts. Lord help us to live and ask according to your will and rest in your promises with all confidence.
Sorry this post is late – it was one of those days … but boy did I love starting off the day with the reminder that He hears our prayers! It is seriously one of if not the favorite part of my relationship with the Father – that God Almighty – Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign Ruler – wants to have communion with me. He invites me into conversation with Him, telling me to be bold (Hebrew 4:14-16) and confident, promising things like wisdom and peace in return. Aww, what sweet sweet fellowship!
The application I came away with today is this:
Come confidently
Ask according to His will
Expect Him to answer accordingly
Father, thank you for the continual lessons in the Faith and specifically the confidence You have taught/given me in our relationship – in seeking Your will above my own – and expecting You to answer.
When we approach God we want to pray for him to guide our minds and hearts toward his will not ours. I know our minds can get stuck in worldy issues; however we need to ask christ for the direction and guidance to keep our minds focused on heavenly desires.