1 John 3:22

Whatsoever we ask

(ο εαν αιτωμεν). Indefinite relative clause with modal αν and the present active subjunctive, like οτ εαν καταγινωσκη in verse 1 John 3:20. In form no limitations are placed here save that of complete fellowship with God, which means complete surrender of our will to that of God our Father. See the clear teaching of Jesus on this subject in Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 14:12; John 16:23 and his example (Mark 14:36; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42). The answer may not always be in the form that we expect, but it will be better.We receive of him

(λαμβανομεν απ' αυτου). See 1 John 1:5 for απ' αυτου (from him).Because

(οτ). Twofold reason why we receive regularly (λαμβανομεν) the answer to our prayers (1) "we keep" (τηρουμεν, for which see 1 John 2:3) his commandments and (2) "we do" (ποιουμεν, we practise regularly) "the things that are pleasing" (τα αρεστα, old verbal adjective from αρεσκω, to please, with dative in John 8:29 with same phrase; Acts 12:3 and infinitive in Acts 6:2, only other N.T. examples) "in his sight" (ενωπιον αυτου, common late vernacular preposition in papyri, LXX, and in N.T., except Matthew and Mark, chiefly by Luke and in the Apocalypse), in God's eye, as in Hebrews 13:21.