“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
As John assures his audience of the authenticity of their faith he reminds them that they know God on an intimate and personal level. This relationship is not reserved for a few spiritual elite. It is their right by virtue of their standing in Christ. Consequently, believers have the right to pray with audacious boldness. They can approach God in prayer with a confidence that allows an openness in which they can freely speak their mind without fear. Such boldness is improper for nonbelievers and also false ones: it is the privilege of the believer who has a good conscience, one who is abiding in Christ.
Such abiding in Christ is a prerequisite to effective prayer: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). This abiding relationship allows the believer to approach God with a confidence. that is pleasing to God. It shows Him that the believer trusts Him implicitly and depends on His Son Jesus for salvation and righteousness and does not rely on the self. God is pleased that the believer does not shrink back from Him in fear, but approaches Him in the Name of Jesus.
This relationship is not a product of man’s striving or effort. It is made possible only by means of the blood which Christ shed on the cross. This blood is what reconciled man to God. Man approaches not on his own merits but through Christ Himself, who acts as our intercessor and High Priest.