Some people stumble over John’s phrase, “according to His will.” Their prayers are fearful and hesitant. They think they may not know God’s will, and thus may not expect a positive answer. They miss John’s point! John did not write to make us feel insecure or uncertain about prayer. John was emphasizing “the confidence we have in approaching God.” Think about all that God has revealed, which lets you know God’s will:
- Is it “according to His will” that “the eyes of your heart” open to know God better? Is it His will for you to know His “incomparably great power” for you? Certainly. God shows His will about these things in Ephesians chapter one. Ask confidently, therefore, just as Paul asked for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:17-19). Ask, knowing that you “have” – that you receive and possess – what you request (1 John 5:14-15).
- Is it “according to His will” that God “strengthen you with power through His Spirit”? Then “kneel before the Father!” Ask with assurance, just as Paul did (Ephesians 3:14-19 cf. Luke 11:13; Ephesians 5:19). Ask, knowing that you receive your request, even to the extent of being “filled with all the fullness of God”!
- Is it “according to His will” that doors open for people to hear the Gospel? Then confidently “pray” for God to “open to us a door for the word” (Colossians 4:3). “Pray…that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
- Is it “according to His will” that you grow in the courage to share your faith? Then say with Paul, “[Pray] that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:20).
- Is it “according to His will” that you not fall to temptation? Then keep watch (Matthew 26:41), and “pray to God that you will not do wrong” (2 Corinthians 13:7 cf. Matthew 6:13). “Your restoration is what we pray for” (2 Corinthians 13:9).
- Is it “according to His will” that righteous prayers should be offered to bring health to the sick? Then pray in faith, remembering His promise: “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:15).
- Is it “according to His will” that peace and good order bless your nation and other nations? Then obey God by interceding “for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Is it “according to His will” that sinners be forgiven and restored? Then “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16 cf. 1 John 5:16).
- Is it “according to His will” that you provide for your family? It certainly is! (1 Timothy 5:8 cf. Matthew 7:9-11) Then approach your Father with confidence. Ask, expecting Him to honor His promises: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). “And my God will supply every need of yours” (Philippians 4:19). Yes, indeed, “we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:15).
The New Testament very seldom suggests any sort of negative answer to faithful prayer. But when it does,14 God’s infinitely higher wisdom is always at work. He may be saying “yes” in a way we don’t yet recognize, perhaps to keep us depending on Him instead of earthly solutions. Or He may be saying “no” in order to give a far bigger “YES!” Either way, we can be secure in the knowledge that His love never fails.15 Jesus Himself is our guarantee that God says “YES!” to all His assurances to us – even His most incredible promises!
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20). M
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32). M
14. Matthew 26:42; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:18
15. Psalm 100:5; 106:1; Jeremiah 33:11; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Hebrews 13:5-8