1 John 5:15 — “And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a continuation of what John just said in the previous verse. He is talking about confidence in prayer.
John says that when we pray, and when we know that God hears us—especially when we pray according to His will—we can also know that we already have what we asked for.
This doesn’t mean we will always see the answer right away or that God will give us everything we ask for. It means that when our requests line up with God’s will, we can be sure He is answering, even if we don’t see it yet.
This verse is about having a settled confidence that God is listening and working behind the scenes when we pray according to His heart and purposes.
Historical Context
John was writing to early Christians who were facing pressures, persecution, and false teachings. Many of them likely felt uncertain or powerless.
John wanted to remind them that they could talk directly to God—and that their prayers were heard.
In a world filled with fear and doubt, this truth would have been deeply encouraging. It taught them that they could live with confidence in God’s care and attention.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that prayer is not a shot in the dark or a wish list. It is communication with a loving God who listens and answers.
It also shows that the foundation of answered prayer is trust in God’s will.
God is not a vending machine; He is a wise and loving Father who knows what is best. When we pray according to His will, we can be confident that He is answering, even if the answer looks different than what we expected.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is clear and repetitive to drive home the point:
- “If we know that he hears us…”
- “We know that we have what we asked of him.”
The repetition of “we know” builds assurance. John is not leaving room for uncertainty. He wants believers to live with bold confidence that God hears and answers.
Cross-References
- Matthew 7:7-8 — “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.”
- Mark 11:24 — “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
- 1 John 3:22 — “We receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”
- John 15:7 — “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a strong encouragement to pray with faith and expectation.
It invites believers to pray boldly, knowing that when they seek God’s will and trust Him, He is listening and responding.
This verse reminds Christians not to give up or lose heart in prayer. Even when answers are delayed or look different than expected, they can be sure that God is at work.
How This Verse Shows God’s Love
This verse shows God’s love by reminding us that He is not distant or indifferent.
He hears when His children pray.
And He doesn’t just hear—He responds and provides according to what is best.
God’s love is shown in the invitation to pray confidently and in the promise that He is listening and answering.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is connected to Jesus because it is through Him that we have access to God in prayer.
- John 16:24 — “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
- Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
- Ephesians 3:12 — “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Jesus opened the way for believers to speak to God directly and boldly, knowing that He listens.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do you pray with confidence, believing that God hears and answers?
- How can you align your prayers more closely with God’s will?
- Have you experienced a time when God answered a prayer in an unexpected way?
- What does this verse teach you about the relationship between faith and prayer?
- How can this truth encourage you to pray more boldly and regularly?