“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Welcome to the 38th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we talked about the why and how of prayer, and we were reminded of the fact that God always hears and answers when we pray.
We began the week by answering the question of why we should pray. Prayer is not about informing God of your needs; it’s about aligning with His will and exercising your authority as His child. It is more than a ritual or duty; it is the believer’s lifeline, the channel of heaven’s power on earth, and the means by which we walk in intimacy with our Father. Prayer is both privilege and power. It is how you wield authority, deepen intimacy, and partner with God to see His will established (Matthew 6:10).
On Tuesday, we learnt about perseverance in prayer (Luke 18:1). To persevere means to maintain focus in spite of difficulty or discouragement. Perseverance in prayer is not about convincing God to act, as if He were unwilling; but about being transformed. You learn to trust God’s timing and will even when the answer is delayed or different from your expectations (1 Kings 18:42-44, Matthew 26: 44). Delay is not denial, so keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking (Luke 11:5-8). Even in the waiting, God is at work, shaping you and preparing you for what He has in store.
Wednesday’s devotional taught us the true purpose of prayer. It is not enough that we pray; we must know why we pray (James 4:3). While God does care about our needs (Philippians 4:6), prayer is not simply a way to get what we want (James 4:3); it is a means of transformation. If we are always carried away by the things we want God to change, we may never truly experience the joy of fellowship and knowing God’s will. It is a privilege to stand before the God of the universe, hear His voice, and partner with His will (Jeremiah 33:3, Ephesians 3:12). This is why we pray.
On Thursday, we learnt to pray the will of God. When your prayers are shaped by God’s Word and the Spirit’s leading, your desires are refined, your heart is guarded, and your steps are aligned with His purpose. Don’t stop at asking for what you want; pray to know what God wants. Praying God’s will is an act of trust. It is letting go of control and holding fast to Him. You can do this with confidence because the One who writes your story already knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), and He is good.
We ended the week with a reminder that when we pray, God hears and answers (Psalm 65:2). At the foundation of prayer is the confidence that we speak to a God who listens and responds. When you know this, prayer becomes less duty and more joyful conversation with the One who loves you deeply. Like a child who trusts a faithful parent, you can approach your Father with confidence. God’s response when you pray is dependent on the certainty of His faithfulness. He always hears, and He always answers.
Child of God, don’t see prayer as a duty to endure but a joy and privilege. Each time you pray, you step into fellowship with a Father who delights in you. Make sure you pray this weekend.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 10–15; Galatians 6:1–18, Ephesians 1:1–14