1 John 3:22

And whatsoever. In v. 21 John has established the initial conditions upon which v. 22 will be fulfilled. He who prays needs a clear conscience, with consequent freedom in approaching God, before making his requests. John then declares that the believer fulfills two other conditions: (1) keeps God’s commandments; (2) does those things that please God. When the Christian has complied with these requirements, he may claim the fulfillment of the apostle’s assurance in this verse. For fuller discussion of the conditions for answered prayer see on Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9; John 14:13; 15:16.

We ask. John’s readers were doubtless well versed in the Christian technique of prayer, and would know how to ask in Christ’s name (see on John 14:13).

We receive. Every prayer that fulfills the conditions here laid down is answered instantly. Apparent delay may arise from several causes: (1) The answer to the petition may be a No, in which case no tangible reply may be received. We may have asked for the wrong thing, and divine wisdom sees that it would not be best to grant the request. Thus was Paul left with the thorn still in his flesh after three earnest prayers for deliverance (see on 2 Cor. 12:7-9). (2) The answer may be, “Wait,” because we are not yet ready to receive that for which we have asked, or because circumstances are not yet favorable for the reply. Thus Daniel was forced to wait while opposition was overcome before he could be told the future (Dan. 10:12-14). But in such cases the decision has been made and action has immediately begun to ensure that the eventual response to our prayer will come at the right time. Sometimes the response is an immediate Yes. This occurs in all requests for spiritual help. When we ask for power over sin, for pardon, for a clean heart, for wisdom, we are to believe that our prayers have been answered, and thank the Lord for His reply. Then we must act in the knowledge that we have the power we requested (see on James 1:5, 6; Ed 258).

Of him. That is, from God.

Keep his commandments. Sin, which is a disregard of God’s commandments (see on v. 4), builds a barrier between a man and his God (see on Isa. 59:1, 2), prevents his prayers from ascending to heaven, and unfits him to receive answers that God may be waiting to give. Obedience to the will of God, which is revealed in His commandments, is vitally related to the matter of answered prayer. This obedience is made possible through the divine power promised to the child of God.

And do. The second additional condition. We are to do more than keep God’s commandments, or to avoid transgressing the law. We must consciously keep on doing those things that are pleasing to God. We must live an active Christian life, remembering the command to be “perfect, even as [y]our Father which is in heaven is perfect” (see on Matt. 5:48; Phil. 3:12-15).

Pleasing. The Christian will always want to do those things that God pronounces to be good or fitting, and will refrain from doing those things that God sees to be harmful. This was one of the guiding rules in the Saviour’s life (John 8:29). When the same rule is observed in ours, we may expect more positive answers to our prayers.