What is praying according to the will of God? (Part One)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. Many believers have an awkward and puzzling relationship with this passage: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14-15). The reason behind the awkward and puzzling relationship with this passage is because in so many matters about which they pray, they’d have to admit that they’re not sure that their requests is according to His will. On top of this, they’re not getting what they’re requesting from God. In an effort to explain away why God is not giving them what they’re asking, they have no legitimate response. The context of the promise of getting what we ask is that of asking with the right intentions (James 4:1–3) and within the will of God (1 John 5:14–15). The Bible promises “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). If we pray for wisdom first, and ask in God’s will, only then we will receive what we ask for. If we ask without wisdom, we won't ask according to His will, and have no reason to expect such a request to be granted! Verses such as 1 John 5:14-15 clear up the common misconception that God promises to give us “anything” we ask for, no matter what. Nothing is further than the truth! God is not genie. God fulfills His wishes for you not the other way around. Please notice what’s being promised. 1 John 5:14-15 promises that if we ask anything according to God's will, we can be confident that He hears us and will answer our prayers, essentially assuring believers of a direct and answered connection with God when praying in line with His desires not ours; it emphasizes the boldness and assurance we can have in approaching God with prayer requests that align with His will. Be encouraged! Part Two is on the way!