How does this verse connect with Matthew 6:9-10 on prayer's purpose? Verse Under Study “This is the confidence we have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Reading Matthew 6:9-10 Alongside It “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” Shared Thread: Prayer Aimed at the Father’s Will • Both passages place God’s will at the center. • Jesus teaches us to seek “Your will be done”; John reminds us that God hears requests “according to His will.” • The purpose of prayer, then, is not persuading God to follow our agenda but aligning ourselves with His. Confidence Rooted in Relationship • “Our Father” (Matthew 6) establishes intimacy; “confidence before Him” (1 John 5) describes the boldness that intimacy grants. • Because we are His children, we approach boldly yet submissively (Hebrews 4:16; Romans 8:15). Kingdom Focus vs. Self-Focus • Matthew directs us to desire God’s kingdom; John calls us to pray in harmony with that kingdom agenda. • Asking “according to His will” guards against prayer that is self-centered (James 4:3). Practical Takeaways • Before making requests, pause to worship (hallow His name) and surrender to His will. • Measure petitions by this question: “Does this advance His kingdom purpose?” • Expect confident hearing when requests line up with revealed Scripture and the Spirit’s leading (John 14:13-14; Psalm 40:8). • Move from anxiety to assurance: when prayer echoes His will, we can rest in His perfect answer (Philippians 4:6-7). In Summary Matthew 6:9-10 gives the pattern—seek the Father’s glory and will; 1 John 5:14 gives the promise—He hears prayers shaped by that pattern. Aligning with His will turns prayer from a wish list into partnership with the King. |
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