Grace World Outreach Church
Day 7
Pray With Confidence
By: Jacob King
“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, NIV)
As a kid, my parents took me to church every Sunday morning and night. Sunday nights were a time for worship and prayer. I would sit (and occasionally fall asleep) next to my mom, watching the others around me with their hands lifted, eyes closed, passionately encountering God as they worshiped with such freedom and boldness. I remember wondering, “How old do I have to be to lift my hands like that? When will God allow me to worship and press in like the saints surrounding me?”
In time, I came to realize the truth: I didn’t have to wait until I was older or “spiritual enough” to approach God that way. As I grew in my faith, I began to understand what 1 John 5:14–15 is all about.
Even as a child, I could approach God with confidence. I didn’t need to earn it or reach some spiritual level. God was already listening. He was already inviting me to come close.
Many of us, even as adults, still wrestle with that same hesitation I felt as a kid. We think others must have something we don’t, a stronger faith, a purer life, or a better connection with God. But confidence in prayer doesn’t come from who we are; it comes from who He is.
When we pray according to His will, when our hearts align with His Word, we can pray boldly because we’re not guessing what pleases Him; we’re agreeing with Him. Verse 15 reminds us that when we pray according to His will, we can have faith that He hears us, and that faith builds confidence.
Throughout this season of fasting and pressing in, remember: you don’t have to come before God with hesitation. You can come with boldness. You’re not talking to a distant or distracted God; you’re speaking to a loving Father who hears every word.
Your personal prayer life can be emboldened when you realize that your prayers are powerful and that Heaven is listening. Confidence in your personal prayer life isn’t demanding from God, it’s declaring that you trust Him. That trust leads to peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with the One who loves you most.
Lift your hands. Open your mouth. Pray with confidence. God is listening, and He delights when His children approach Him boldly.
Reflection:
- Do you see yourself as someone who can approach God confidently? Why or why not?
- What would change in your prayer life if you truly believed God was listening every time you prayed?
- Take a few moments to pray according to God’s Word. Ask for something that aligns with His will, and thank Him in advance for hearing you.
Prayer:
Father, thank You that I can come to You with confidence, knowing You hear me when I pray. Help me align my heart with Your will and trust that You are working even when I don’t see it. Strengthen my faith, ignite my prayer life, and remind me that I am always welcome in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.