praying effectively: Know (1John 5:13-15)

(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. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 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.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that Christians should KNOW we have eternal life (5:13)

- that Christians should KNOW God hears us when we pray in His will (4:14-15)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing us to know You personally.  Guide us in knowing You and Your will better, and more and more.  And as we know You, please give us greater confidence in our eternal security, so that believers will know without a doubt that they are saved. 

And as we abide in Your will, give us the wisdom to pray in Your will, so that we may be confident our prayers will be more effective in helping to build Your kingdom, all to Your glory.  Amen.