August 24, 2020: SOAP #3917:  Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 74; 1John 5

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Observation:  Many people like to start their prayers by claiming that God will provide whatever they need or want.  They start with the promise at the end of verse 15: “we know that we have what we asked of him.” 

But the first part of verse 15 shows that knowing that he “hears” “whatever we ask” comes before getting the prayers answered.  If I do not have confidence that He hears me, I have no claim that He will answer my prayer.  So, how can I know that He hears me?  For that I need to go back to the last part of verse 14. 

Having the confidence that God hears my prayer AND answers them starts with asking “according to his will.” 

According to verse 14, the better I know God and understand His will, the better I will be able to pray.  Prayer is not a way to get God to accomplish my will.  It is a way for me to be a part of His will.  In prayer, God is allowing me to participate in His plan. 

Application:   This promise is not for just any quick prayer made without thinking.  This promise requires some thoughtful application on my part.  First: I must know the character of God.  He is holy and loving.  He is wise.  Second:  I must search the scriptures to see if God has revealed His will about the subject of my prayer.  Has anyone in the Bible dealt with this issue.  Third:  I need to remember what the Holy Spirit has said to me in the past.  I need to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will to me.     

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to have a small part in accomplishing you will on earth.  May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!