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This is a good summary of the whole epistle in terms of its purpose. The members of the church to whom John wrote were in a state of uncertainty about their own status. He has now built his case: They are true believers; those who had separated from them were false. This awareness should give them confidence (a distinctive emphasis of 1 John) in the presence of the heavenly Father. They can ask anything according to his will and expect to receive it. This is not an invitation to “name and claim” anything their carnal desires may want. The stipulation according to his will elevates it to moral, truly spiritual commitment to God’s knowledge of what is best.