What is the context?
The promise comes within the vine-and-branches teaching. Jesus has called the disciples to remain in Him because a branch cannot produce fruit apart from the vine. He now connects asking with that relationship.
There are two linked conditions: the disciples remain in Him, and His words remain in them. Their asking grows within a life being shaped by what He has taught. The promise is followed by the Father’s glory in their fruitfulness.
This continues the connection between prayer and His mission in John 14:12–14. Jesus’ action and the Father’s glory belong together. Remaining in Him concerns the whole direction of their life, including their requests.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the promise in connection with its stated conditions. Calvin on verse 7 explains that Jesus’ words shape the desires of those who remain in Him, rather than approving every passing wish. Wesley on verse 7 describes prayer as both fruit of faith and a means of further fruitfulness. These explanations place asking within an ongoing life of faith.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Colossians 1:9–12 provides a related pattern: Paul asks for believers to know God’s will so that they may live worthily, bear fruit, grow in knowledge and give thanks. Prayer serves the growth of people whose life reflects the God they belong to.
What is our position?
Our study Prayer and Faith understands this promise through its stated conditions: remaining in Christ and His words remaining in us. As His teaching shapes our life, it also shapes our desires and our asking. The study connects this with asking according to God’s will in 1 John 5:14–15, rather than treating the verse as a guarantee for plans formed independently of Him.