Compare John 9:31; 11:41, 42. We may be sure that every sincere prayer is heard in heaven, and will be answered, either by a positive or a negative reply (see on 1 John 3:22).

This introduces the “confidence” of which John has just spoken. Although the Lord knows all our needs before we express them, He wishes His children to make those needs known to Him in their own language. The assurance is very broad, being qualified only by the next phrase.

 Rather, “toward him” (see on ch. 3:21).

 Gr. parrēsia (see on ch. 2:28), here perhaps cogently used in its primary sense of “freedom of speech” (see on ch. 3:21). John’s thoughts concerning the possession of eternal life and belief on the Son of God suggest to him the confidence that the believer may have in approaching the Son, and thus the subject of prayer is introduced.

 That is, the Son’s will. Only the condition that our petitions are in harmony with His will is here mentioned. Elsewhere, other qualifications are set forth—asking in Christ’s name (John 14:13; 16:23), agreement among brethren (Matt. 18:19), belief (Mark 11:24), observance of His commandments (1 John 3:22).

 Our omniscient, benevolent Lord knows what is for our good and disposes His grace and power for the promotion of our happiness and salvation (see on 1 Thess. 4:3). We do not desire to be saved any more ardently than Christ desires to save us. His will is bent on our redemption much more firmly than is our own (Gal. 1:4; Eph. 1:5). Therefore we may be sure that if we offer any petition regarding our salvation, the Saviour will be more than ready to hear us—He will be waiting to fulfill that request. This assurance holds true for the smaller as well as the greater matters of daily life. He who numbers the hairs of our head is not indifferent about the lesser details of the lives of those for whom He died (Matt. 10:29-31).