The Failing Prayer Error (1 John 5:14-15)

Early Errors
A Study of 1st John

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
~ 1 John 5:14-15

1. Who is the ‘we’ in this passage? Can just anyone pray with such confidence?


2. Are there any conditions attached to this promise?


3. How do we know if something is God’s will?


4. Why does it say we ‘have’ in the present tense instead of we ‘will get’ in the future tense?


5. What are the ‘conditions’ necessary to build a powerful prayer life?




A. Pray with Others!
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19)

B. Pray with Faith!
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)

C. Ask in Jesus’ Name!
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:14)

D. Remain in Christ!
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (John 15:7)

E. Bear Fruit!
I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 15:16)

F. Obey God!
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. (1 John 3:21-22)

G. Have Right Motives!
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives (James 4:3)