I John 5: 13-21  To know Jesus Christ.. the Son of God who came in the flesh, who completed the Father's will perfectly, dying on the cross as the atonement sacrifice for our sins.. and to abide in true fellowship with Him... to obey His commandments.. to love.. is to have eternal life.  This is John's message for us. 

As God's children we are given the privilege of prayer. "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (v14)

This is such a powerful truth.. one that we need to really grasp.  Prayer brings us into His Presence. Prayer is necessary for living in obedience and love. Prayer is the place of abiding.. of being joined together with our Lord.  John says that God hears us. He wants us to bring our requests to Him. 

Prayer is not just for ourselves, but, we are given the privilege and responsibility to pray for each other.  If we see our brother or sister walking in sin.. we must pray... " he shall ask and God will for him give life.. "  We need to be faithful to pray for one another.  This is true love. 

John summarized his message with these words, "We know we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." 

Father in heaven, draw us deeper into Your love and in faith.  Keep us walking in the Truth and deliver us from all evil, especially from  those who are anti-christs.. trying to lead us astray.  You have given us the Word and Your Spirit.. that we might stay in fellowship with You. Thank You. Keep us constantly abiding... according to Your will. This we ask and have confidence that You will do it. Amen.