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."
What This Verse Means
John provides a chain of certainty for prayer: when we pray according to God's will, He hears us. When He hears us, we have what we asked. The key is aligning our requests with His will — not trying to bend God's will to ours but conforming ours to His.
This gives prayer both boldness and humility. Boldness because we know God hears. Humility because we seek His will, not just our wishes. The result is confidence — not uncertainty about whether God is listening, but settled assurance that aligned prayers receive answers.
Historical Context
John wrote to combat false teachers and to give believers assurance of their faith. This passage on prayer confidence is part of a broader section on assurance (1 John 5:13-21). Believers can be confident not only in their salvation but in their prayer life.
How to Apply This Today
Before praying, ask: 'Is this aligned with God's will as revealed in Scripture?' When you pray according to His will, do so with confidence — He hears you and will answer. Spend time in God's Word to learn His will so your prayers increasingly align with His purposes.
Related Verses
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."
James 4:3
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss."
🙏 A Prayer from 1 John 5:14-15
Father, I come with confidence, asking according to Your will. I trust that You hear me and that You will answer. Align my desires with Yours so my prayers hit the mark. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
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 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 answerWhat 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 answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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