By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Confidence in Prayer comes from trusting Jesus and His promises (1 John 5:13–15).
- Pray in God’s Will by aligning requests with Scripture, love, and wisdom.
- Care for Others through intercession—asking God to help friends, leaders, and neighbors.
- Handle Tough Topics Kindly when passages are complex, with humility and safety for kids.
- Build a Family Rhythm of daily, simple, honest prayers.
Hi friends! Ariel here! Have you ever stopped to wonder what really happens when you pray? Like… does God really hear me? Do my words float up into space—or do they land right in His heart?
This week, my family and I read something really powerful in 1 John 5:13–17, and it totally changed how I think about prayer. It’s not just something we say before dinner or when we’re scared—it’s a direct, personal, super-real way to connect with God. And get this—John says we can pray with confidence! Isn’t that amazing?
Prayer is like having the most secure phone line in the universe. No missed calls. No weak signals. No “sorry, I didn’t get your message.” When we talk to God with love, trust, and a heart that wants His will, He listens. Every time.
I used to think prayer was mostly about asking for stuff—like, “Please help me with my test,” or “Can Alice stop taking my colored pencils?” 😅 But Daddy explained that prayer is more like a conversation. It’s not just talking to God—it’s talking with Him. We listen. We wait. We trust. And that’s where the real relationship grows.
Yaya told me that when we pray with open hearts—not just asking for what we want, but asking for what He wants for us—we become more peaceful, more hopeful, and more filled with purpose. It’s like turning on a lamp in a dark room. Suddenly, we see everything more clearly.
Download the Family Study PDF
Kid-friendly guide, journaling space, memory verse cards.
Sometimes, life feels confusing or scary. I don’t always know what to do or say. But prayer gives me a place to breathe, a place to rest, and a place to remember that I’m never alone. (The Bible Project’s guide on the Lord’s Prayer beautifully shows how prayer connects and comforts.) That’s why I love this verse—because it tells us God wants us to talk to Him. He’s always ready to listen, and He’s always working things out for good—even when we can’t see it yet.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your prayers matter, the answer is YES. They do. You matter. Your voice matters. Your heart matters. Prayer isn’t just a button we push—it’s a bridge we walk across every day to be close to the One who loves us most. (Just like we’re each a living stone in God’s spiritual house, prayer is part of how we stay connected and grow in Him.)
Let’s keep going together and explore what it really means to pray with purpose! 💖
TL;DR
Confidence grows when hearts rest in Jesus. Prayers align with God’s will, care reaches others, and families practice simple daily rhythms that keep conversation with God open and honest.
🕊️ Praying According to God’s Will
As we kept reading, something in the verse made me pause. “Daddy,” I asked, “what does it really mean to pray according to God’s will? (Learn more about how God guides us into His will here.) Does that mean I can’t ask for things I really want?”
Daddy smiled, not the kind of smile that means “you’re silly,” but the kind that says “that’s a really important question.”
“Well,” he said, “praying according to God’s will means asking for things that line up with God’s heart—things that reflect His love, His truth, and His purpose for your life and for others. It’s like tuning your heart to the same melody as His.”
That gave me a lot to think about. I mean, I love praying for things like good days and fun adventures and extra sprinkles on my cupcake. But could I really pray for something bigger—something that helps others, too?
Alice was hugging Mr. Fluffernutter close, her forehead scrunched like she was trying to crack a very hard puzzle. “So… if I pray for crayons so I can share them with my friends, does that count as a good prayer?”
Daddy nodded, his voice kind and thoughtful. “That’s a perfect example, sweetheart. Praying to share crayons shows love, kindness, and a heart that wants to bring others joy. When your prayer helps build friendships and spreads goodness, it’s like you’re echoing God’s love back into the world.”
Alice beamed. “What if I pray for my friend Emma? She’s been really sad lately. That’s a good prayer too, right?”
“Absolutely,” Daddy said, his eyes lighting up. “Praying for someone who’s hurting is one of the most loving things we can do. It shows you care about their heart, just like God does. When we pray for others, it’s like we’re holding their hand and inviting God to walk with them.”
That made my own heart feel a little lighter. I realized that praying isn’t just about asking—it’s about caring. It’s about paying attention to the people around us, even the ones who seem quiet or far away. And sometimes, it’s about letting go of our own wish list and asking, “God, what do You want me to do today?”
Daddy added one more thing before we closed our Bibles. “Sometimes, God’s answer isn’t yes right away. Sometimes He says ‘wait,’ or even ‘I have something better.’ But when our prayers come from love—when they seek healing, hope, or joy for others—we’re praying in a way that honors God’s will.”
Alice nodded seriously, her eyes shining with something deeper than just understanding. “Then I’m going to pray for Emma and maybe even draw her something with my new crayons.”
And just like that, I saw how a simple prayer could grow into something beautiful—like a little flower blooming in a place that needed it most.
Fun Fact
“Confidence” in 1 John comes from a word meaning bold, open speech. Honest voices matter to God.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How can kids feel confident when praying?
Start simple: thank God, ask for help, pray for someone else. Confidence grows with practice and Scripture.
💡 The Power of Confidence in Prayer
There’s one verse from this passage that made my heart feel steady and strong—like a lighthouse standing tall in the middle of a storm.
1 John 5:14
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” (1 John 5:14)
I read it slowly, letting each word land like a soft tap on my heart. Confidence. He hears us. That’s a big deal. Imagine whispering your deepest hopes… and knowing they go straight to the ears of the God who created the universe.
“Daddy,” I asked, “what if I don’t know if I’m praying for something that’s actually in God’s will? What if I just… don’t know?”
He looked at me with that peaceful smile he has when he’s reminding me it’s okay to be learning. “That’s okay, Ariel,” he said gently. “We don’t always have to be sure. That’s why we pray with open hearts—trusting that God will guide us, even when we don’t know all the answers. And even if His answer isn’t what we expected, it’s always the best one.”
That comforted me more than I can explain. Because sometimes, I ask for things and wonder if I’m being selfish—or if maybe I just don’t understand what’s best. But now I know that God sees it all—my heart, my intentions, my questions. He listens with love, even when I stumble over the words.
It’s easy to want things right away. To say, “Please, God, make this happen,” and feel disappointed when nothing changes. But I’m learning that prayer isn’t a vending machine. It’s more like planting seeds. Sometimes we don’t see anything right away, but underneath the soil, God is working.
And while we wait—He’s shaping us. Teaching us patience. Strengthening our trust. Helping us grow strong roots in our faith.
Yaya told me that God sees the whole picture of our lives, like a giant quilt being stitched together—every moment, every joy, every hard thing we don’t understand. We see only a few pieces at a time, but He sees the whole design. Even our unanswered prayers have a place in that pattern.
So now, when I pray, I try to hold my requests in open hands—not clenched fists. I still tell God what’s on my heart (even the silly stuff!), but I also say, “Your will be done,” because I trust that He knows what’s best. And you know what? That trust brings peace.
It’s like I’m learning how to breathe in the quiet, how to rest in the mystery of not knowing, and how to believe that God is always listening—even when it feels silent.
Prayer isn’t just about asking—it’s about becoming. Becoming someone who listens, trusts, waits, and grows.
Family Activity — “Prayer Post-It Path”
Grab sticky notes. Write three kinds of prayers: Thanks, Help, Bless Others. Place notes along a hallway. Walk and pray at each note together.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do we know a request fits God’s will?
Check Scripture, examine motives, seek wise counsel, and ask how the request helps love God and people.
🤲 Praying for Others
One of my favorite parts of 1 John 5 is the reminder that prayer isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone! John writes:
1 John 5:16
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life.” (1 John 5:16)
That verse gave me chills. It means our prayers can actually bring help and healing to someone else’s life! Isn’t that incredible? We’re not just whispering words—we’re sending love straight into someone’s hardest moment, and inviting God to do something amazing.
Yaya shared a story that really touched my heart. She said there was a time when her friend was going through something really painful. “I didn’t know how to fix it,” she told us, “and I felt so helpless. But I started praying for her—every single day. I didn’t always have the right words, but I believed God was listening.” And slowly, her friend began to heal. Her heart softened. Her hope returned. “Those prayers,” Yaya said, “were like tiny seeds that eventually bloomed into something beautiful.”
That story made me think of the people in my life who might need prayer too—even the ones who don’t say it out loud.
Then Alice, with Mr. Fluffernutter perched on her lap like a royal bunny, lifted her chin and said, “I’m going to pray for every person I love. And maybe even the ones I don’t understand yet. Because God listens to me!”
We all laughed, but inside, I felt something stir. She was right.
Praying for others doesn’t need to be fancy or long. It just needs to be real. Sometimes, a simple “God, please help my friend today” is more powerful than we could ever imagine. When we pray for someone who’s hurting or struggling, we’re joining hands with heaven on their behalf. We’re stepping in, like a lighthouse guiding them through their storm.
And the best part? God hears every single one. Even the quiet ones we whisper at night. Even the tearful ones we don’t have words for.
When we lift others up in prayer, we become part of their healing. We become part of their story. And we grow closer to God too—because we’re learning to love like He does: patiently, powerfully, and without limits.
Fun Fact
Christians across centuries used set times—morning, midday, evening—to remember others in prayer.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What if a friend doesn’t want prayer?
Respect their wishes. Pray privately, be kind, and serve them in practical ways.
🙌 Praying with Confidence
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from 1 John 5, it’s this: prayer is powerful. It’s not just something we do because we’re supposed to—it’s something we get to do because God loves us and wants to hear from us. Prayer is like talking to our Heavenly Father who listens with kindness, responds with wisdom, and walks with us through every part of life.
Here are some ways I’ve been learning to pray with confidence—and maybe they’ll help you too!
🌱 Pray with Faith
This means trusting that God hears every word—even when we’re not sure what to say or don’t see answers right away. Faith reminds us that God sees more than we can. He knows what’s best, even if it takes time to understand. Sometimes, we might pray for something and get a “yes,” sometimes a “not yet,” and other times a “wait, I have something better.” But when we pray with faith, we know God is always working—always loving, always guiding.
👫 Pray for Others
This part makes my heart happy. When we pray for someone else—like a friend, a teacher, or even someone we don’t get along with—we’re spreading hope. We’re saying, “God, please take care of them.” And that matters more than we realize. Alice and I started a little prayer list where we add names of people we want to lift up every week. It helps us remember that prayer isn’t just about us—it’s about all of us, together.
Sometimes, I even tell my friends, “Hey, I prayed for you today.” You should see the smiles that brings. 😊
💖 Pray with Openness
Not every prayer has to be perfect or planned out. Some of the most special prayers I’ve said were just quiet whispers from my heart. Being open in prayer means telling God how you really feel—happy, sad, confused, excited, even mad. He can handle it all. And when we say, “God, I don’t know what to do, but I trust You,” that’s a powerful prayer too. It means we’re letting Him lead, and that’s the best kind of prayer there is.
Fun Fact
Christians have explored multiple interpretations of “sin unto death.” Wise adults help kids navigate hard passages safely.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Should kids study verses about difficult topics?
Yes, with caring adults. Focus on God’s love, truth, and safety. Encourage questions and point to Jesus.
💫 Final Thought
This message from 1 John 5:13–17 has changed the way I think about prayer. It’s not just something we do—it’s something we live. Prayer is a gift straight from God’s heart to ours. It’s how we grow closer to Him, how we listen for His voice, and how we learn to trust His plan—even when it’s not the same as ours.
When we pray, we’re not just sending words into the sky—we’re having a real conversation with the One who loves us most. We’re opening our hearts and saying, “Here I am, Lord. Please guide me.” That kind of prayer makes us brave. It helps us see the world through God’s eyes and reminds us that we are never, ever alone.
I’ve learned that God doesn’t just hear us—He really listens. Whether we’re bursting with joy or feeling confused, He hears every whisper. And even when His answer is different from what we hoped for, it’s always filled with love. Sometimes, He surprises us. Sometimes, He asks us to wait. But He never forgets. And He never lets go.
Prayer brings peace, even when things are hard. It brings light, even when we feel a little lost. And it brings people together—families, friends, even strangers—because when we pray for others, we become part of their story, too.
So let’s keep praying—with joy, with hope, and with confidence that God is always near. Whether you’re praying in a quiet room, outside under the trees, or whispering before bedtime, know that your voice matters. Your prayers matter. And they are changing the world, one heartfelt word at a time.
With a heart full of love and faith,
Ariel 💕
More from Blogging4Adventure
Quick Check Quiz
Compare & Discern
| Approach | Focus | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Performance prayer | Sound impressive | Anxiety, discouragement |
| Self-centered prayer | Personal wants only | Shallow growth |
| Confidence in God | Trust Jesus, align with will | Peace, perseverance, love for others |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Confidence | Bold trust that God hears and cares. |
| Intercession | Praying on behalf of someone else. |
| God’s Will | God’s wise, loving purposes revealed in Scripture. |
| Petition | A request made to God in prayer. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Accountability in Love | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Understanding DNA | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Minecraft Zoo | Open |
| BibleGateway — 1 John 5:13–17 | Open |
| Enduring Word — 1 John 5 Commentary | Open |
| GotQuestions — Pray According to God’s Will | Open |
Practice & Pray
Confidence in prayer grows when families trust Jesus, align requests with Scripture, and care for others daily. Simple rhythms create steady hearts.
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, science, and family activities. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for clarity and safety; Scripture cross-checked with trusted study tools.
FAQ
What is the main idea of 1 John 5:13–17?
Believers can pray confidently, trusting God hears us as we ask according to His will and care for others.
How can families start a prayer rhythm?
Begin with short moments: gratitude in the morning, intercession at lunch, Scripture-guided requests at bedtime.
How do we handle hard verses with kids?
Stay gentle and honest, invite questions, and seek input from parents and church leaders.
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