Unlocking the Power of Prayer: Praying with Confidence in God’s Will

Introduction

In our fast-paced world, where instant results are often expected, the practice of prayer can sometimes feel like a challenge. Doubts creep in, especially when prayers seem unanswered. However, 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) offers a powerful reassurance:

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

This passage emphasizes the assurance and confidence believers can have in their relationship with God, particularly through prayer. Let’s delve into the foundations of praying with confidence, the common reasons people lose faith in prayer, and practical principles for experiencing answered prayers.

Why People Lose Confidence in Prayer

Many believers struggle with prayer due to various reasons:

1. Personal Experience: Past unanswered prayers or a comfortable life without perceived need for divine intervention can lead to a diminished belief in the power of prayer.

2. Others’ Testimonies: Hearing testimonies of others’ miraculous experiences can sometimes make one feel overlooked or less favored by God.

3. Preachers’ Teachings: Some teachings emphasize personal efforts and results over the power of prayer, reducing its perceived importance.

Despite these challenges, understanding the true nature and purpose of prayer can restore our confidence.

The Foundation of Prayer

1 John 5:14 (NIV) states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God.” Confidence in prayer stems from an understanding of God’s character and His willingness to listen to His children. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) encourages us to “come boldly to the throne of grace,” highlighting the importance of approaching God with boldness and faith.

Our relationship with God is akin to that of a child with a loving parent. Just as a child confidently asks for needs and wants, knowing the parent’s ability to provide, we too should approach God with the same confidence.

Three Principles for Answered Prayer

John provides three essential principles for praying with confidence:

1. We Ask

“If we ask anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14, NKJV). Prayer is about making specific verbal requests to God. This involves:

a. Asking Freely: Don’t limit your requests. Like the limitless Autobahn in Germany, we should boldly ask God for big things. Prayer encompasses asking, thanking, and praising God.

b. Aligning with God’s Will: Our requests should align with God’s will—His purpose, desire, and decree. This means seeking God’s guidance and being in tune with His desires for our lives.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, assuring that those who ask receive. Similarly, James 4:2-3 (NKJV) reminds us that we do not have because we do not ask, or we ask with wrong motives.

2. He Hears

“He hears us. And if we know that He hears us…” (1 John 5:15, NKJV). When we pray according to God’s will, we can be assured that God hears us. This attentiveness is not passive but active and responsive. 

We can be confident God hears our prayers because of:

a. Our Relationship with God: Proverbs 15:29 (AMP) states, “The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

b. God’s Promises: Jeremiah 29:12 (MSG) promises that when we call on God and pray, He listens.

c. God’s Track Record: In 2 Kings 20:1-5 (NKJV), Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer was heard and answered by God, demonstrating God’s responsiveness.

3. We Have

“Whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:15, NKJV). The assurance here is that if God hears our prayers, we can be confident in receiving what we have asked for, provided it aligns with His will. This doesn’t mean we will always get exactly what we want, but that God will provide what is best according to His wisdom and purpose.

Mark 11:24 (NKJV) emphasizes believing in receiving what we ask for in prayer. Matthew 6:6 (NKJV) highlights the reward of sincere, private prayer.

Practical Steps for Praying with Confidence

1. Nurture Your Relationship with God: Spend time in daily prayer, worship, and Bible study to deepen your connection with God.

2. Seek God’s Will: Regularly ask God to reveal His will for your life and align your prayers with His purposes.

3. Ask Boldly: Don’t be afraid to ask God for big things, believing in His ability to provide.

4. Trust God’s Timing: Understand that God’s answers may come in His timing and form, not necessarily ours.

5. Stay Persistent: Keep praying even when answers seem delayed. Persistence in prayer demonstrates faith and trust in God.

Conclusion

1 John 5:14-15 encourages believers to pray with faith and confidence, knowing that God listens to prayers aligned with His will and responds in ways that fulfill His divine purposes. 

By understanding and embracing these principles, we can approach God with the assurance that our prayers are heard and answered according to His perfect plan. 

May the Lord increase our faith and confidence in Him, enabling us to experience the power and effectiveness of prayer in our lives.