Devotional

It is often said that it is not what you know that is important in life, but who you know. When applying for a job, for example, a former connection will give you an advantage since there is an existing comfort in the relationship. Friends in high places will often lead to perks which are unattainable to most people.
 
To be a friend of Jesus is the ultimate connection. Having the favour of the one who created the universe and has the power of life in his hands is the greatest of all connections. In this verse, John applies this connection into prayer.

There is one aspect of pleasing God that we often overlook. It is the power of prayer. We overlook it because we do not wish to descend into a dangerous ‘works gospel’. We do not want to bargain with God or use our good works to manipulate him into somehow owing us something. So we usually play down the connection between prayer and good works. And yet the connection is there.

Pleasing God deepens our confidence in the relationship and therefore our effectiveness in prayer. This is the reality for those who walk with Jesus as a friend.

God bless you and your family
Brett