What does "ask according to His will" mean for our prayer requests? Our Starting Point: Confidence in Prayer • 1 John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” • Confidence isn’t wishful thinking; it rests on God’s unchanging character and His trustworthy Word. • Because Scripture is true and literal, every promise about prayer stands firm. What “According to His Will” Is Not • Not a magic phrase tacked on to get what we want. • Not resignation that God probably won’t answer. • Not permission to pray selfishly, hoping God will overlook motives (James 4:3). What “According to His Will” Actually Means • In harmony with God’s revealed character—holy, loving, just, and wise. • Consistent with Scripture. God’s written Word reveals His will (Psalm 119:105). • Advancing His purposes: the spread of the gospel, growth in holiness, help for others (Matthew 6:9-10). • Yielded to His sovereign plan, trusting His timing and methods (Isaiah 55:8-9). Key Cross-References • 1 John 5:15: “And if we know that He hears us… we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.” • John 14:13-14—asking in Jesus’ name points to alignment with His nature and mission. • 1 John 3:21-22—obedience and faith shape confident asking. • James 4:2-3—wrong motives block answers; right motives open the way. • Matthew 26:39—Jesus in Gethsemane models surrender to the Father’s will. How to Pray Within His Will 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture—His will is most clearly revealed in His Word. 2. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide (Romans 8:26-27). 3. Examine motives: • Is this request for God’s glory or my convenience? • Will it bless others or only benefit me? 4. Check relationships (Mark 11:25)—unforgiveness can hinder prayer. 5. Pray boldly yet humbly: “Father, here’s my desire; shape it until it matches Yours.” What Happens When We Do • God hears—active, attentive listening guaranteed by His promise. • Assurance grows—we “know that we already possess” what He chooses to give (1 John 5:15). • Peace replaces anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). • Our desires increasingly mirror His (Psalm 37:4). Practical Takeaways • Begin prayers with Scripture to align your heart. • Keep a journal: note how God answers when requests match His revealed will. • Thank Him in advance, expressing trust that His answer—yes, no, or wait—is perfect. |
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