Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 John 5:14

"And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:" — 1 John 5:14 (ASV)

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:

We do not wish to have a more unlimited promise than that; we do not ask God to hear our prayer if it is not according to his will.

The true child of God does not wish to have his own will; but he says, "No, Lord; you know much better than I do what to grant; so, when my will is contrary to your will, your will, not mine, be done!"

This is as gracious an assurance of answers to prayer as the true children of God wish to have: If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.