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."
What This Verse Means
John gives believers a foundation for confident prayer: when we ask according to God's will, He hears us. And 'hears' in biblical language doesn't mean mere awareness — it means attentive response.
The key phrase is 'according to his will.' This isn't a loophole that makes prayer uncertain — it's a focusing lens. Praying according to God's will means aligning our requests with His character, His promises, and His purposes. When our desires match His will, we can pray with absolute confidence.
Historical Context
John wrote this near the end of his first epistle, summarizing key themes of assurance. He wanted believers to have confidence — in their salvation (5:13), in their prayers (5:14-15), and in their relationship with God. Prayer is not a gamble but a confident conversation.
How to Apply This Today
Pray Scripture back to God — His Word reveals His will. When you pray God's promises, you're praying His will by definition. This builds confidence because you know you're asking for what He has already committed to do.
Related Verses
1 John 5:15
"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
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 unto you."
🙏 A Prayer from 1 John 5:14
Lord, I come with confidence because I'm asking according to Your will. You hear me — not just my words but my heart. Align my desires with Yours and answer according to Your purposes. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit by confessing sin, yielding their will to God, asking in faith, and continually obeying His leading — a repeated experience commanded for every Christian.
Read answerWhat 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 answerWhat 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 answerHow 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 answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will.
Read answerWhy 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 answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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More Devotionals on Prayer
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Psalm 145:18
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
More Verse Devotionals on Prayer
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- Psalm 19:14 — Prayer
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- Mark 11:24 — Prayer
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- Psalm 145:18 — Prayer
- Matthew 7:7 — Prayer
- Psalm 19:14 — Prayer
- James 5:16 — Prayer
- Matthew 6:9-13 — Prayer
- Philippians 4:6 — Prayer
- Hebrews 4:16 — Prayer
- James 5:16 — Prayer
- Psalm 19:14 — Prayer
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