Confidence in the Ask
04/23/2025
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
—1 John 5:14 (NIV)
There is a remarkable peace that comes when we know that our prayers are not tossed into some cosmic void but are received by a loving and attentive Father. John, the beloved disciple, reminds us in this verse that we have confidence, not hesitation, not doubt, but a bold assurance, when we approach God in prayer.
Think about that for a moment: The God who created galaxies, who holds the oceans in His hand, hears you. And not only hears, but listens with the intent of a Father who wants what is best for His children. But John adds an important qualifier, “according to His will.” That phrase teaches us something deeper about the nature of prayer. Prayer isn’t about bending God to our desires; it’s about aligning ourselves with His heart.
Imagine a child asking their parent for guidance. A good parent doesn’t say “yes” to everything. But when the child asks for something that aligns with what is right and good, the parent responds with joy. In the same way, God delights in answering prayers that reflect His will, prayers for wisdom, healing, justice, salvation, and peace.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included the words, “Your will be done.” Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitted His desires to the Father’s plan. So, if even Jesus aligned His will with God’s, how much more should we?
This verse doesn’t just encourage us to pray, it compels us to know God’s will by staying rooted in His Word, being led by His Spirit, and seeking His kingdom first.
Here are some steps for you to take today to help align your will to the Fathers.
Start your prayers with surrender.
Begin with “Lord, let Your will be done in this situation.”
Stay in the Word.
The more you know Scripture, the more clearly you’ll recognize what aligns with God’s will.
Keep a prayer journal.
Write down your prayers and reflect later on how God responded.
Invite others into prayer. There’s strength in unity when believers seek God’s will together.
Before you ask God for anything today, pause and ask Him to align your heart with His. Pray, not just for outcomes, but for understanding. Trade anxiety for assurance by anchoring your requests in His will.
Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank You for hearing me, not because I’ve earned it, but because Jesus has opened the way. Help me to trust in Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your goodness. Let my heart be shaped more by Your Word than by my wants. Teach me to pray boldly and humbly, with confidence that You hear and with faith that Your will is always best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
—1 John 5:14 (NIV)
There is a remarkable peace that comes when we know that our prayers are not tossed into some cosmic void but are received by a loving and attentive Father. John, the beloved disciple, reminds us in this verse that we have confidence, not hesitation, not doubt, but a bold assurance, when we approach God in prayer.
Think about that for a moment: The God who created galaxies, who holds the oceans in His hand, hears you. And not only hears, but listens with the intent of a Father who wants what is best for His children. But John adds an important qualifier, “according to His will.” That phrase teaches us something deeper about the nature of prayer. Prayer isn’t about bending God to our desires; it’s about aligning ourselves with His heart.
Imagine a child asking their parent for guidance. A good parent doesn’t say “yes” to everything. But when the child asks for something that aligns with what is right and good, the parent responds with joy. In the same way, God delights in answering prayers that reflect His will, prayers for wisdom, healing, justice, salvation, and peace.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included the words, “Your will be done.” Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitted His desires to the Father’s plan. So, if even Jesus aligned His will with God’s, how much more should we?
This verse doesn’t just encourage us to pray, it compels us to know God’s will by staying rooted in His Word, being led by His Spirit, and seeking His kingdom first.
Here are some steps for you to take today to help align your will to the Fathers.
Start your prayers with surrender.
Begin with “Lord, let Your will be done in this situation.”
Stay in the Word.
The more you know Scripture, the more clearly you’ll recognize what aligns with God’s will.
Keep a prayer journal.
Write down your prayers and reflect later on how God responded.
Invite others into prayer. There’s strength in unity when believers seek God’s will together.
Before you ask God for anything today, pause and ask Him to align your heart with His. Pray, not just for outcomes, but for understanding. Trade anxiety for assurance by anchoring your requests in His will.
Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank You for hearing me, not because I’ve earned it, but because Jesus has opened the way. Help me to trust in Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your goodness. Let my heart be shaped more by Your Word than by my wants. Teach me to pray boldly and humbly, with confidence that You hear and with faith that Your will is always best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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