Prayer- Praying With Confidence
Pastor Ellie
6 minute read
In the fast-paced rhythm of life, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Like many of you, I’ve wondered if our prayers are truly heard. But in the midst of doubt, there’s a secret anchor that secures my confidence, and it’s the power of prayer rooted in God’s will. In 1 John, you’re reminded that if you ask according to His will, He not only hears you, but answers you. This confidence is not a blind faith, but a firm trust that rests on the foundation of God’s Word. I want you to know the secrets of how to discover abiding in Him, asking according to His will, and experiencing the joy of answered prayer.
Remain in Him
At the heart of praying with confidence lies the concept of abiding in Christ, beautifully spoken of by Jesus in John 15.
““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
This abiding (which is mentioned 10 times!) is not a passive state, but an active choice to remain steadfastly in His presence, just as a branch remains in the vine. His life-giving words should shape your heart, grounding you in unwavering faith. Like Mary of Bethany, you can choose to place yourself at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His teachings, and allowing His truth to mark you. In the bustling world we inhabit, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness. Yet, prayer is more about listening than talking. Luke 10 recounts the story of Martha and Mary, sisters with contrasting approaches to Jesus’ presence. While Martha busied herself with tasks, Mary chose the “good portion,” sitting at the feet of Jesus to absorb His wisdom. In this hour, when distractions pull you from your purpose, let’s choose the “one thing” – to sit at His feet, to allow His Word to define you, and to let His truth penetrate your hearts.
Ask according to His will.
Prayer is not a mere formality; it’s the raw cry of your heart before God. It’s the brokenness that leads to surrender, the tears that speak where words cannot. Sometimes our prayers are nothing more than a heartfelt “HELP!” Yet, even in your brokenness, God hears you. I remember after Ryan and I moved here from Atlanta, I went from being around him constantly, to being a mom at home with my young son. I felt incredibly isolated and lonely, yet it was in those moments that Jesus brought me closer together in prayer.
God’s Word is the compass that should guide your prayers toward His will. In a world where truth is often diluted, you must hold fast to the unchanging Word of God. There’s a movement going on today in our culture and some churches called Progressive Christianity – which is a rewriting of essential and important elements of biblical teachings to fit Western secular values. It believes there’s more than one way to get to heaven and acceptance of everyone without believing in the accountability of God’s Word. Basically, it is watering down God’s Word to Fit into one’s on definition of Christianity
You must stand strong on God’s unchanging word.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Prov. 30:5-6 (NKJV)
Our prayers are transformed when we align them with God’s Word, and the assurance of His will becomes our confidence.
Psalm 119:89 (ESV)
Praying with confidence is not a magical formula, but a journey of intimacy, devotion, and alignment with God’s Word. In the sanctuary of abiding, in the pursuit of the “one thing,” and in the authenticity of cries, you can find the transformative power of prayer. As you embrace the discipline of aligning your prayers with God’s will, you step into the realm of confidence – the firm trust that whatever you ask according to His will, He hears you and answers you.