Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

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.

You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives. … If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.

Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. … Whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. … If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. … He went in, shut the door … and prayed to the Lord. … Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.

1Th 5:17; 1Jh 3:21-22; 1Jh 5:14-15; Ja 4:2-3, Ja 1:5-6; Jh 16:23-24, Jh 15:16, Jh 15:7; Mt 6:6, 2Ki 4:33, Ps 5:1