Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 John 5:15

15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him .

In the latter, in that, or somewhat equivalent, or better; for if he determine that thing to be best for us, all circumstances considered, we shall have it; if he determine otherwise (supposing we pray according to his Will) we desire it not: For every one intends Good ▪ to himself, when he prays for any thing, not Hurt. And God answers his Children according to that general meaning of their Prayers, not always according to the particular (which may be often a much mistaken) meaning. According whereto supposing the thing would be really and in truth hurtful, (and God's Iudgment is always according to Truth) they constructively pray to be denied it; and the Denial is the equivalent day the better thing than what they particularly pray'd for; and [illegible: 1 span] Petitions. See chap. 3.22. Nor can any be [illegible: 1 span] according to God's Will as the Rule, if it be not to his Glory as the End, as the Order and Connection of Petitions shews in that admirable Platform prescribed by our Lord himself. And is it possible to be the Sense of any one that hath a sincere Heart in Prayer, that God would gratify him against himself? Therefore that Latitude allowed the Apostles, Iohn 14.13, 14. & 15.16. & 16.23, &c. must be understood to respect the Service of the Christian Interest, and is to be limited thereby, as some of the Expressions shew.