Our scripture this morning is 1 John 5:13-15.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
The apostle John wrote three letters in addition to the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. Here he speaks of the power of prayer, that it is more about a connection to God than merely a list of our wants and needs. Those who follow the risen Christ have the confidence that God hears and answers prayer.
In the Old Testament the prophet Jeremiah teaches us to listen for God’s word ”that the Lord your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do” (Jeremiah 42:38). Prayer gives us not just a line of communication but communion with our Creator.
In Luke 12:31-32 Jesus tells us ”But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Through prayer we hear God, through Christ’s teaching in scripture we are instructed, and by the Holy Spirit we are guided to do His will. All these work together in us that we may share God’s love with the world.
Loving Lord, we are grateful to be able to share our joys and concerns with You through prayer. Help us to ask and listen in Jesus’ name, that we may do the kingdom work You have for each of us. Amen.
