Day 17: Confidence in Prayer

"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."

– 1 John 5:14-15(NIV)

Reflection

We’re getting closer to the end of our 21-day journey, and what a blessing it is to reflect on today’s topic: the confidence we have in prayer. Prayer is not just a religious routine; it’s the heartbeat of our relationship with God, the lifeline that connects us to the Creator. From the very first day of this devotional series, we’ve prayed together, and today, we’re reminded of the privilege and power of prayer.

The Bible teaches us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). And when we do, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guards our hearts and minds. Prayer doesn’t just bring answers; it brings peace, the kind that assures us God has heard us and is working all things together for our good.

Yet, many of us wrestle with doubt when it comes to prayer. We wonder if we’re doing it right, if God is listening, or if we’re even worthy to approach Him. I know this feeling well. There have been times I hesitated to pray, weighed down by discouragement or the fear of rejection. Sometimes, it’s not even a conscious thought but a subtle sense that God won’t hear or answer.

But allow me to remind you of this beautiful truth: because of Christ, we have complete access to God’s presence. Ephesians 3:12 declares, “In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” This access is not reserved for a select few; it’s for every believer. The veil was torn when Jesus died, granting us the privilege to walk boldly into the Holy of Holies.

This boldness isn’t about arrogance; it’s about trust. Just as a child approaches their parent without fear, we can come to God knowing He delights in hearing us. Imagine a child asking their father for something, fully confident in the relationship they share. Even when the answer is no, they are secure in their father’s love. God’s “no” is never a rejection—it’s always a redirection, a step toward something better aligned with His perfect will.

When we pray, we align ourselves with God’s heart. His Word becomes the foundation of our prayers, strengthening our faith and increasing our confidence. When we use Scripture as the basis for our prayers, we’re not just reciting words; we’re standing on God’s promises. This is why the Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Confidence in prayer also means embracing the simplicity of prayer. It’s not about eloquence or ritual; it’s about relationship. Whether you’re sitting in church, walking down the street, or lying awake at night, prayer is always within reach. This is what it means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)—a continual conversation with the One who knows you and loves you deeply.

Let this truth sink in: you don’t have to earn God’s ear. You don’t need to “fix yourself” before coming to Him. His arms are always open, ready to receive you just as you are, whether you’re rejoicing, struggling, or somewhere in between.

• Today, write down a specific prayer request. Be bold and specific, laying it before God with confidence.

• Find a Scripture that aligns with your request and reflect on it, trusting in God’s perfect will for your life.

Father, I thank You for the privilege of coming confidently and freely before You in prayer. Thank You for hearing me, for welcoming me into Your presence with open arms. Teach me how to pray with boldness and trust that You for care deeply for every detail of my life. Help me to come sincerly to You, without trying to sound correct or eloquent. Help me to align my desires with Your will and to rest in the assurance that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Steps

Prayer