#57 Ask in Line With His Will – 1st John 5:14-15

1 John 5:14-15 NLT - 14 And we can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will. 15 And if we know He is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that He will give us what we ask for.

Journal Entry #57

In order for us to ask in line with God’s will, we must first tune ourselves to His will by submitting our lives and our very selves to the authority of His divine will. This will mean foremost that we draw near to God. To do this we must throw off everything that hinders us and we must set aside all our sin for it will entangle us (Hebrews 12:1) so that we cannot run. We have been set free from sin, how can we live in it any longer (Romans 6:1-3)? As we surrender ourselves to Him, God will set us free from sin and place His desires in our hearts (Psalm 37:4-5). Then when we ask Him for anything, we will be asking according to His will and desire for His desires will be ours and our will shall be to follow His will. Then we can be sure that not only will God listen, for His ear is turned toward the righteous (Psalm 34:15, 1 Peter 3:12), but He will answer us according to His sovereign plan and purpose. Therefore, let us desire to follow God’s will that we may pray according to His will, then we will be a part of the great works of the Lord as He answers the prayers that He has placed in our hearts that we should pray.

And so let us now pray, “Our Father, just and true, loving and kind, caring and giving – You who works out all things for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28)- help us to submit ourselves to Your will. For we know that Your will is good as You have said, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).” And as we submit ourselves to You and follow You, help us to throw off the sins that would stop us. Help us to live holy and blameless lives. Lord God, help us to give ourselves completely over to You to find all our delight and joy in You alone. Place Your desires in our hearts that our hearts will be in tune with Yours. Then may we come confidently before Your throne to place our requests at Your feet knowing that You hear us and will answer us. Lord, fulfill Your desire – Your will – in us, producing fruit in our lives to Your glory (John 15:8) and enabling us to live lives pleasing to You. Our Father, we thank You for the privilege we have as Your children to be able to step into the very holy of holies in heaven through prayer. We stand amazed that You so include us in the unfolding of Your plan for all of human history by moving us to pray according to Your will. Lord God almighty, You lead us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of Your great name (Psalm 23:3). You do more than we could ever ask for (Ephesians 3:20). Who can compare to You - infinite and wise, You are worthy of worship and glory!* Your name be praised forever! Amen.”

*See the song Who You Are.