And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.15And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. – 1 John 5:14-15
I dare you to you to ask God for it! It does not matter if your request is big or small or if your desires are critical or superfluous. We all have the right to approach God’s throne of grace with boldness and expectation. God does not require that our prayers be lengthy. They do not need to be replicated in Shakespearean tongue. Prayer is simply a conversation between you and God. If you typically greet someone with “hey, honey what’s going on” or “I missed you,” then begin your prayers the same the way. God would love it if you spoke to Him with adoration and affection.
The key is not to allow fear or feelings of inadequacy to rob you of your right to approach God. The enemy would love to deceive you into thinking you need experience or have to meet certain criteria in order to pray. This is a lie! The word of God says that when we pray, we can ask anything of our Father, according to His will, and He listens to and hears us. No where does it explain that you need courses in seminary, need a college education or even need to know how to read. Prayer is simply opening your mouth and speaking from what’s in your heart. Remember, God knows your heart. He knows what you need even before you open your mouth.
So, when you approach Him, be bold. Ask for the desires of your heart. If it is not something you should have, then God will not open the door which still works in your favor. If that is the worst that can happen, then go for it! Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He proclaimed, “Father I thank you that you hear me and that you always hear me.” God hears our prayers. He always has and He always will.
The passage goes on to expound on prayer: 15And (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. The bible says that God’s answers to our prayers—when they align with His will—are yes and amen. Because we know with all surety that God’s answer is yes, we should not be afraid to ask Him anything. Jains believe in satya which is speaking the truth. When you pray speak truthfully and be bold.
I dare you to you to ask God for it! It does not matter if your request is big or small or if your desires are critical or superfluous. We all have the right to approach God’s throne of grace with boldness and expectation. God does not require that our prayers be lengthy. They do not need to be replicated in Shakespearean tongue. Prayer is simply a conversation between you and God. If you typically greet someone with “hey, honey what’s going on” or “I missed you,” then begin your prayers the same the way. God would love it if you spoke to Him with adoration and affection.
The key is not to allow fear or feelings of inadequacy to rob you of your right to approach God. The enemy would love to deceive you into thinking you need experience or have to meet certain criteria in order to pray. This is a lie! The word of God says that when we pray, we can ask anything of our Father, according to His will, and He listens to and hears us. No where does it explain that you need courses in seminary, need a college education or even need to know how to read. Prayer is simply opening your mouth and speaking from what’s in your heart. Remember, God knows your heart. He knows what you need even before you open your mouth.
So, when you approach Him, be bold. Ask for the desires of your heart. If it is not something you should have, then God will not open the door which still works in your favor. If that is the worst that can happen, then go for it! Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He proclaimed, “Father I thank you that you hear me and that you always hear me.” God hears our prayers. He always has and He always will.
The passage goes on to expound on prayer: 15And (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. The bible says that God’s answers to our prayers—when they align with His will—are yes and amen. Because we know with all surety that God’s answer is yes, we should not be afraid to ask Him anything. Jains believe in satya which is speaking the truth. When you pray speak truthfully and be bold.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
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