TEXT: 1 John 5:14-17
Warren Wiersbe said, “It is one thing to know that Jesus is God and that we are God’s children; but what about the needs and problems of daily life? Jesus helped people when He was here on earth; does He still help them? Earthly fathers take care of their children; does the Heavenly Father respond when His children call on Him? Christians have confidence in prayer, just as they have confidence as they await the judgment. As we have seen, the word confidence means “freedom of speech.” We can come to the Father freely and tell Him our needs. Of course, there are conditions we must meet.
First, we must have a heart that does not condemn us. Unconfessed sin is a serious obstacle to answered prayer. It is worth noting that differences between a Christian husband and his wife can hinder their prayers. If there is anything between us and any other Christian, we must settle it. And unless a believer is abiding in Christ, in love and obedience, his prayers will not be answered.