1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

The advantage of this memory verse is clear—the confidence that God hears our prayers. But there is an action step for us. We need to be praying what pleases God. Other translations refer to our prayers being God’s will. So, if we ask God for things that are his will, he hears us. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I’m confident he hears all the other babbling we do, too.

Context: This verse appears during the conclusion to John’s first letter (he writes three letters total). John assumes he is writing to fellow believers, wants them to know about eternal life, and to further assure that when God hears us, he answers us.

What do we pray for then that pleases God? What are those things in accordance with the will of God? We can look to other Scripture passages to learn about God’s will. Here are just a few verses that speak of God’s will and what makes God happy. I’m sure there are a lot more!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 2:15 says, “ It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.”

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

Micah 6:8 says, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

When we pray for things that please God, this verse assures us he will hear us. The verse following adds that God will answer. That gives us hope and good reason to nurture our prayer life, doesn’t it? If we think about what this verse is saying, we may end up changing what we pray for and/or how we ask.

The Lord’s Prayer clearly calls out our desire for the Lord’s will to be done. Every time we pray that prayer we affirm our intention. As prayers go, we know that God answers prayers about doing his will. We should expect to see God moving among us, working his will all around. Sometimes it’s hard to fathom what might be God’s will. Keep watching!

After all, Jesus’ death and resurrection was God’s will. How do we wrap our heads around all of that? Certainly, we shouldn’t listen to the world who says we’ve got it wrong. I want God’s will to flourish here as in heaven, but I can’t imagine what that might look like.

For my part, I am going to pray with confidence knowing that if I want my prayers to be heard by God, I need to be praying for his will and any and all things that will facilitate his will here on earth. Keep this verse handy when you go to the Lord in prayer.

Let’s pray. Your plans for me, LORD, are so much better than I can possibly imagine. Thank you for providing for me every day. My heart overflows with gratitude, and yet I still want more of you. I want to understand on a deeper level the meaning of your word, to hear your message anew each day. I want to be clear on what I can do to live in your will and help others do the same. May I trust you more and more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.