(2) The principle of prayer is that, to be answered, it must be in accordance with the will of God. Three times in his writings, John lays down what might be called the conditions of prayer. (a) He says that obedience is a condition of prayer. We receive whatever we ask because we keep his commandments (1 John 3:22). (b) He says that remaining in Christ is a condition of prayer. If we abide in him and his words abide in us, we will ask for anything and it will be done for us (John 15:7). The closer