1.5 Confidence to Talk with God

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we
have what we asked of him. I John 5:14-15, NIV


Two large words fashioned from wood in beautiful cursive writing adorn the kitchen walls of the new home. They greet blurry-eyed souls needing coffee in early morning, and they are the last words droopy eyes see before dousing the lights at night. What two words could be so important to be the openers of each day and the closers for each night?    The words: Pray and Believe.

When people respond to the question of why prayer, conversation with God, is not a central focus of the spiritual life, most respond with comments about their confidence. Does God hear me? Why doesn’t He answer? I did not hear him reply. I grow tired of asking. Why pray, life is just going to happen anyway.

John, the beloved Apostle, wrote words of comfort to all God’s children concerning the nearness and attentiveness of God. This verse is found in I John 5:14-15:  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

The confidence lies in knowing that He desires our sincere conversation. It also requires believing that the all-wise, loving God gives attention to the weakest of prayers from sincere hearts. Focusing on the reality that the Creator of the universe stands ready to interact with his children provides the confidence needed to pray, believe, and converse daily with Him concerning all of life’s challenges. Confidence increases by realizing that God hears all kinds of prayers whether formal, ritual, rehearsed, written, or spontaneous.  What John stresses here, however, reveals that the essence of prayer is an open conversation with our God who not only listens to our words but also responds to us.

Talk to Him now. He is closer than the air one breathes or the light that surrounds us. He is near and attentive to sincere hearts.  Pray and Believe.

Prayer:  Father, I believe that you hear me when I pray. I know your Word says that you will respond to my prayers and requests.  Thank you for inviting me into your presence daily to spend time conversing with you. Strengthen my faith and confidence in you.  

Commitment:  
Today, I will pray and believe.



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