Freedom Calls

There’s something powerful about knowing you’re heard.

Not just listened to, but truly heard—by the Creator of the universe.

I was reading 1 John 5:14 today, and it stopped me in my tracks:

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (KJV).

As a child of God, saved by grace through faith in Jesus, this verse feels like a lifeline. It’s not just about praying—it’s about praying with boldness, knowing that when our hearts align with God’s will, He’s right there, listening.

This confidence isn’t something I muster up on my own. It’s a gift, rooted in the relationship we have with Christ. But what does it look like to pray “according to His will”? And how do we hold onto that confidence when answers don’t come the way we expect?

Let’s explore this promise with fresh insights from some spiritual giants who’ve shaped my walk with God, and see how their words point us to the joy of trusting prayer.

Charles Spurgeon, with his fiery conviction, once said, “When we pray in the name of Jesus, according to God’s will, we knock at heaven’s gate with the very hand of Christ Himself.” Spurgeon’s words make me feel like I’m standing on holy ground when I pray. 1 John 5:14 isn’t about throwing out wishes and hoping they stick—

it’s about seeking God’s heart and trusting that He hears every word.

Spurgeon reminds me that when I pray in alignment with God’s purposes, I’m partnering with Jesus, and that’s a confidence that can’t be shaken.

Watchman Nee brought a quiet depth to this truth. He wrote, “To pray according to God’s will is to lay aside our own desires and take up His. In such prayer, we find not only His ear but His heart.” Nee’s insight challenges me to check my motives. Am I praying for what I want, or am I seeking what God desires? 1 John 5:14 promises that when I pray in sync with His will, I’m not just heard—I’m drawn closer to Him. It’s like tuning my heart to His frequency, where every request becomes a step deeper into His love.

John Bunyan, who faced trials that tested his faith, knew the power of persistent prayer. He said, “Prayer is the pilgrim’s staff, upholding us when we seek God’s will above our own. He hears, and His answer is always life.” Bunyan’s words resonate when I think about the confidence John describes. Even in my darkest moments, when prayers seem to go unanswered, Bunyan reminds me that God hears. The assurance of 1 John 5:14 is like a staff to lean on—God’s will is perfect, and His response, whether “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” is always for my good.

C.S. Lewis, with his knack for clarity, wrote, “Prayer doesn’t change God; it changes us, aligning our hearts with His eternal purposes.” Lewis helps me see that 1 John 5:14 isn’t just about getting what I ask for—it’s about becoming someone who wants what God wants. When I pray according to His will, I’m not twisting God’s arm; I’m letting Him shape my desires. That confidence John talks about grows as I trust that God’s plans are better than mine, even when I can’t see the whole picture.

God’s Word confirms this truth in so many places. James 4:3 (KJV) warns, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts,” reminding us to align our prayers with God’s purposes. But Jesus Himself assures us in John 15:7 (KJV), “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Abiding in Christ, letting His Word dwell in us—that’s the key to praying according to His will. And when we do, 1 John 5:14 promises, He hears us.

I’ve had moments when prayer felt like a leap of faith—times when I poured out my heart, unsure if I was “doing it right.” Maybe you’ve been there too, wondering if your prayers are reaching God’s ears. But here’s what I’m learning: the confidence of 1 John 5:14 isn’t about perfect words; it’s about a heart surrendered to God’s will. When I seek His plans over mine, I can pray boldly, knowing He’s listening. Whether He answers with a miracle or a quiet strength, His response is always rooted in love.

So, friend, if you’re carrying a burden today, bring it to Jesus with confidence. Ask according to His will—seek His heart, trust His wisdom—and know that He hears you. Rejoice in the privilege of prayer, not because you’ll always get what you want, but because you’re heard by the One who wants what’s best for you. Let’s pray boldly, love deeply, and trust completely. The God who hears us is the God who holds us.

Let’s pray:

Father, thank You for the confidence we have in Jesus, that You hear us when we pray according to Your will. Align our hearts with Your purposes, and give us boldness to trust Your answers. Let our prayers draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.