1 John 5:14

And this is the confidence that we have in him Better, And the boldness that we have towards Him is this: see on 1 John 1:5 and 1 John 2:28. For the fourth and last time in the Epistle the Apostle touches on the subject of the Christian's -boldness." Twice he speaks of it in connexion with the Day of Judgment (1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17); twice in connexion with approaching God in prayer (1 John 3:21-22 and here). In the present case it is with special reference to intercessory prayer that the subject is retouched. Thus two more leading ideas of the Epistle meet in this recapitulation, boldness towards God and brotherly love; for it is love of the brethren which induces us to pray for them.

according to his will This is the only limitation, and it is a very gracious limitation. His will is always for His children's good, and therefore it is only when they ignorantly ask for what is not for their good that their prayers are denied. Comp. S. Paul's case, 2 Corinthians 12:9. -Heareth" of course means that He hears and grantswhat we ask (John 9:31; John 11:41-42). Comp. -The desire of the righteous shall be granted" (Proverbs 10:24).