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    Confident Prayer

    1 John 5:14-15 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
    — 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    John provides the key to confident prayer: alignment with God's will. When we ask according to His will, He hears. And when He hears, the answer is guaranteed. The confidence is not in the prayer but in the will of God.

    Historical Context

    John wrote to establish certainty — 'that ye may KNOW' (5:13). These verses establish certainty in prayer: if your request aligns with God's will, the answer is as good as done.

    Original Language Insights

    'Confidence' (parrēsia) — boldness, freedom of speech, openness. We approach without hesitation.

    'According to his will' (kata to thelēma autou) — in alignment with, in harmony with God's desires.

    'Heareth' (akouei) — hears with the intention of responding. Not just auditory reception but attentive engagement.

    'We have' (echomen) — present tense. We already possess the answers even before they manifest.

    Theological Significance

    This verse resolves the tension between bold prayer and surrendered prayer. We can ask confidently AND submit to God's will — because when our requests align with His will, confidence is warranted.

    Practical Application

    Pray boldly by praying biblically. When your prayers reflect God's revealed will (Scripture), you can be confident He hears and answers. Study God's Word to know God's will — then pray it back with confidence.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    John 15:7

    "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done."

    Jesus connects answered prayer to abiding and His Word.

    James 4:3

    "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss."

    James explains why some prayers go unanswered — misalignment with God's will.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I approach with confidence — not in my eloquence but in Your will. Align my prayers with Your purposes. I know that when I ask according to Your will, You hear. And when You hear, I already have the answer. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I know what God's will is?

    Start with what's clearly revealed in Scripture: God's will for salvation, sanctification, thanksgiving, obedience. When praying for specific situations, seek the Spirit's guidance and hold your requests with open hands.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying 1 John 5 verse by verse:

    After · 1 John 5:15Exact verse

    And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

    Theme: Prayer

    Nearest commentary in 1 John

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    He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

    Theme: God's Love

    Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 John 4:10Nearest chapter

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

    Theme: God's Love

    Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 John 4:16Nearest chapter

    And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

    Theme: God's Love

    Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 John 4:18Nearest chapter

    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

    Theme: Love Defeats Fear

    Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 John 4:19Nearest chapter

    We love him, because he first loved us.

    Theme: God's Love

    Read 1 John 4Commentary: 1 John 4:16
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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Lord's Prayer Mean?

    The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is Jesus' model prayer teaching us to honor God, submit to His will, depend on Him daily, seek forgiveness, and ask for protection from evil.

    Read answer

    What does the Bible say about prayer?

    The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — a privilege for all believers — and should be persistent, humble, faith-filled, and aligned with God's will.

    Read answer

    What Is the Lord's Prayer?

    The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples, covering worship, submission to God's will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

    Read answer

    How Can I Know the Will of God?

    God reveals His will through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wise counsel, circumstances, and the peace of Christ in the heart.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

    Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will.

    Read answer

    Why Should Christians Fast?

    Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    1 John 5:14 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."

    1 John 5:14 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."

    1 John 5:14-15 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Healing
    Old Testament

    Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness

    God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for healing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand

    Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, confronting hard-hearted religion.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate

    Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Fire on Mount Carmel

    Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.

    Read the miracle

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