4d • General discussion
1 John 5:14
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1 John 5:14 (ESV)
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
— from First Epistle of John
🔍 Context: What’s happening in 1 John?
The apostle John is writing to believers to assure them of their salvation, strengthen their faith, and help them live confidently in relationship with God. Chapter 5 focuses on confidence—confidence in eternal life, confidence in prayer, and confidence in God’s faithfulness.
This verse sits right in the middle of that encouragement.
✨ Key Phrase Breakdown
“This is the confidence that we have toward Him”
- Confidence here means bold assurance, not arrogance.
- It’s the confidence of a child who knows their Father is loving, present, and listening.
- John is reminding believers: you don’t have to guess whether God hears you.
“If we ask anything according to His will”
- This is not a limitation meant to discourage prayer—it’s a alignment.
- God’s will includes: His character (loving, holy, just) His promises (peace, wisdom, salvation, growth) His purposes (transformation, redemption, truth)
- When our prayers line up with who God is and what He desires, we’re praying from a place of trust, not control.
Think of it this way: prayer isn’t bending God’s will to ours—it’s shaping our hearts to match His.
“He hears us”
- In Scripture, “hears” means more than sound—it means attention, care, and response.
- God is not distant, distracted, or indifferent.
- Even when the answer isn’t immediate or looks different than expected, being heard means being held.
💡 What This Verse Teaches Us
- Prayer is relational, not transactionalGod isn’t a vending machine; He’s a Father.
- God always hears aligned prayersSilence doesn’t mean absence. Delay doesn’t mean denial.
- Confidence grows as we know God’s willThe more we know Scripture and God’s heart, the more confident and peaceful our prayers become.
🕊️ Practical Application
- When praying, ask: Does this reflect God’s character? Does this draw me closer to Him or just comfort me temporarily?
- Pray boldly—but surrender the outcome.
- Rest in this truth: you are never praying into the void.
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1 John 5:14
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