1 John 5:14

The Apostle John, in 1 John 5:14, provides profound assurance regarding prayer, stating, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding effective prayer and the nature of a believer's relationship with God.

Context

This verse is nestled within John's concluding remarks in his first epistle, where he emphasizes the certainty of the Christian faith. Preceding verse 13 affirms that believers can "know that ye have eternal life," establishing a foundation of assurance in salvation. Following this, verse 15 extends the promise by stating that if we know He hears us, we also know we have the petitions we desired of Him. Thus, 1 John 5:14 bridges the assurance of salvation with the assurance of answered prayer, provided it aligns with God's divine purpose and will.

Key Themes

• Confidence in God (Parrhesia): The term "confidence" (Greek: parrhesia) implies boldness, freedom of speech, and open access. It's not a tentative hope but a firm conviction rooted in our relationship with Christ. This boldness allows believers to approach God's throne of grace without fear, as also encouraged in Hebrews 4:16.
• Prayer According to God's Will: The crucial condition for effective prayer is alignment with God's will. This is not a limitation but a liberation, as God's will is always perfect, good, and ultimately for our highest good and His glory. It implies that genuine prayer seeks God's purposes, echoing the sentiment of "Thy will be done" from the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10.
• God Hears and Responds: The assurance "he heareth us" means more than just a physical perception of sound; it signifies that God listens attentively and is prepared to respond. This hearing implies an active, benevolent engagement with the believer's request, affirming God's attentiveness and faithfulness to His children.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "confidence" is parrhesia (παρρησία), which conveys a sense of boldness, frankness, and freedom of speech. It speaks to the privilege and right believers have to approach God directly and openly, without timidity. This is a profound shift from Old Testament access, made possible through Christ. The word "heareth" is from akouō (ἀκούω), which means not just to hear physically but to listen, understand, and often implies to grant or respond positively, signifying God's active engagement with our prayers.

Related Scriptures

The concept of bold access to God is also found in Ephesians 3:12, which speaks of "boldness and access with confidence through the faith of him." Regarding prayer aligned with God's will, Romans 8:27 mentions the Spirit interceding for us "according to the will of God," highlighting divine assistance in aligning our prayers. The general promise of God hearing prayer is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 66:19, "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer."

Practical Application

For the modern believer, 1 John 5:14 offers immense encouragement and a vital guideline for prayer life. It encourages us to pray with unwavering confidence, knowing that God welcomes our requests. However, it also calls us to align our desires with His perfect will, reminding us that true prayer is not about bending God to our will, but about aligning our hearts with His. This fosters a deeper intimacy with God, as we learn to discern His purposes and trust in His wisdom, even when answers differ from our initial expectations. It transforms prayer from a mere request list into a communion of wills, leading to peace and assurance in His ultimate provision.