Changed by His Love
1 John 3:22: And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
These verses do not, of course, give us all the conditions for answered prayer, but they emphasize the importance of obedience. One great secret of answered prayer is obedience, and the secret of obedience is love. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you … If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love” (John 15:7, 10).
It is possible, of course, to keep God’s commandments in a spirit of fear or servitude rather than in a spirit of love. This was the sin of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. A believer should keep His Father’s commandments because this pleases Him. A Christian who lives to please God will discover that God finds ways to please His child. When our delight is in the love of God, our desires will be in the will of God. 1
Loving Him
When our prayer life is motionless so is our faith. Prayer is the catalyst that moves our heart and our will to surrender under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Most battles in life are personal battles between what we want for ourselves and what God wants for us. Prayer brings humility. Humility allows the other voices to be silent and for His voice to speak. Slowly read again 1 John 1. Listen to Him speak to you. It will delight your soul.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Loving Others
When I am minimized and He is maximized, hope returns.
Make Me Like You
Lord, thank You for hearing my request, and for giving me Your best, always.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
