{Whatsoever we ask} (ho ean ait(936d)en). Indefinite relative
clause with modal an and the present active subjunctive, like
hoti ean katagin(9373)k(8869) in verse  20 . In form no limitations are
placed here save that of complete fellowship with God, which
means complete surrender of our will to that of God our Father.
See the clear teaching of Jesus on this subject in  Mr 11:24  Lu
11:9  Joh 14:12f.  16:23  and his example ( Mr 14:36  Mt 26:39  Lu 22:42 ). The answer may not always be in the form that we
expect, but it will be better. {We receive of him} (lambanomen
ap' autou). See  1:5  for ap' autou (from him). {Because}
(hoti). Twofold reason why we receive regularly (lambanomen)
the answer to our prayers (1) "we keep" (	(8872)oumen, for which
see  2:3 ) his commandments and (2) "we do" (poioumen, we
practise regularly) "the things that are pleasing" (	a aresta,
old verbal adjective from aresk(935c), to please, with dative in
 Joh 8:29  with same phrase;  Ac 12:3  and infinitive in  Ac
6:2 , only other N.T. examples) "in his sight" (en(9370)ion autou,
common late vernacular preposition in papyri, LXX, and in N.T.,
except Matthew and Mark, chiefly by Luke and in the Apocalypse),
in God's eye, as in  Heb 13:21 .