And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
We receive - according to His promise (Matthew 7:8). Believers, as such, ask what is in accordance with God's will; or if they ask what God wills not, they bow their will to God's; so God grants them either their request or something better.
Because we keep his commandments - (cf. Psalms 34:15; Psalms 66:18; Psalms 145:18-19.) Not that our merits earn a hearing, but our works of faith being the fruit of His Spirit in us, are 'pleasing in God's sight; and our prayers being the voice of the same Spirit in us (Romans 8:26), necessarily are answered by Him.