Reconciliation

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." - 1 John 5:14

God impressed upon me this recently. Praying "whatever you ask for" versus praying "according to His will." Praying for selfish ambitions and desires versus praying for what is on God's heart.

If we pray according to His will (I believe, basically anything that helps us grow closer to Him) for us, He will readily grant us those requests. Such as a prayer to walk closer with God, have a deeper worship experience with Him, etc, He will not deny but instead will be glad to give. However, praying for selfish gain or worldly desires will not cause God to act.

Matthew 21:22 is not a verse that we can use to hold God accountable to the answering of our prayers. That verse does not mean that we can pray for ANYTHING and RECEIVE IT as long as we BELIEVE. However, this verse has to go in tandem with 1 John 5:14, that as long as we ask for ANYTHING that is according to His will, we must BELIEVE that He will answer and we must, by faith, RECEIVE IT.

God rejoices and is glad to answer prayers of His people who wishes to draw closer to Him, to have a more intimate relationship with Him, so therefore ask in full confidence in lieu of this!

Soli Deo Gloria.