When I saw this witty little sign on the main doors of our school library, I immediately thought, “Now THAT’S biblical!”
The first scripture that came to mind was Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”- (NIV) A man whom many call the “Prince of Preachers” has a wonderful illustration for this verse.
Prayer pulls the rope below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly. Others give but an occasional pluck at the rope. But he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might.
Charles Spurgeon
Frankly, I’ve said many prayers that had all the firmness of a limp noodle. The disciples apparently had some moments like these with Jesus. Near the end of His earthly life, He says. almost chiding them, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” —John 16:24 (NIV)
However, there have been other times when the Holy Spirit moved me to pray boldly. As I recall, each of these powerful requests was answered, “Yes.” The book of James reminds us that the prophet Elijah was a regular human, just like us. And when he prayed earnestly, things happened—MAJOR things. “The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect.” — James 5:16 (GNT)
Kind reader, I will cease my ramblings with a closing question: Is there something you need to ask of Jesus?
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
43 responses to “Pull Boldly!”
Sorry, I just found your comment, Crystal. Yes, more of my prayers are wet noodles than not. It’s a good thing God is patient! Thanks for stopping by.
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Happy to know I’m not the only one who sometimes prays like a wet noodle.
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You’re welcome, Nancy. Thanks for stopping by!
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I’m putting that Spurgeon quote among my prayer cards–for inspiration. Thank you, David!
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It’s my pleasure 🤗💓God bless you 💓🤗🎉
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You’re welcome, Priti. Thank you for reading and commenting. Blessings!
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Me too, Mitch. Me too.
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Yes absolutely we need to do more bold prayers persistently. Well shared thank you 😊🎉👍
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Need to work on my pulling. I tend to be an early giver-upper, I’m afraid.
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This is exactly what I was thinking, Beth! Limp noodle prayers are often just off the top of my head, but the “bell ringers” come through the Holy Spirit’s leading. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings!
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After reading this, David, I wonder if the type of prayer- “limp noodle” vs. bold is directed by the source of the prayer. A “limp noodle” being one of human origin while the other is powered by the Holy Spirit. Of course the limp noodle can be transformed into a bell ringer as you pointed out. You gave a great quote by Spurgeon!
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I’m glad you enjoyed my post, Craig! I never know how my thoughts will land with others. Just try to get it out there when God gives me something to say. Thank you for reading and commenting. Blessings!
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Hi David, what a wonderful post! Encouraging and challenging and one that will stay with me for a long time. Blessings to you.
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Wow this is a great post David! I love the analogy! So simple yet true! Saving this post as a reminder.
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Me too, Manette. Sometimes it easier to pray boldly than others. As you well know, maintaining a two-way, healthy relationship with God is paramount. Thank you for sharing, and God Bless.
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I want to be the person Spurgeon describes as the one, “who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might.”
I’ve not heard that before. Thanks, David, for sharing this great and challenging reminder.
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How true, brother. We are never alone. I like to collaborate and work cooperatively with others. Going it alone, on almost anything, is stressful for me. Thank God we have an advocate with the Father! I appreciate your thoughts, Alan. Blessings!
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I really love that Spurgeon quote David; so often I have to remind myself that we are called to be bold in prayer to our Father. Satan wants us to feel alone, when in fact we are never alone. Thank you for this timely post brother, may God bless you richly this weekend.
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Haha … I really DO appreciate your comments and affirmation, David. Thank you so much.
My goal is always to support and encourage others. I’ve learned a lot as a counselling professional … and through dealing with trauma in my personal life. I know how difficult the recovery journey is.
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Me too, Pete. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
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You’re welcome, Funmi. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
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Thank you for sharing David! This reminds me of the verse: “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”. I’m definitely sharing this.
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Ouch! Yes, I confess to way too much limp noodle praying! I have heard the Spurgeon quote before but I love the addition of your library’s sign!!
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Yes, Luther is, and was, an inspiration to many. Thank you for reading and commenting, Joseph. God Bless.
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I like what Martin Luther said” One can no more be a Christan and not pray than be alive and not be breathing. “
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That’s a good point to ponder, Matt. What would Charles Spurgeon and George Whitfield think of today’s TV preachers?
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I love Spurgeon’s writings and often wonder what great preachers of old would think of our ‘modern’ day ones.
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Understood. I wanted you to know I think you do a great job on your site.
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I would never call myself a counsellor in the same sentence as The Wonderful Counsellor!!! 😁
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Hi David. Dan has just a bit of a cough, but he is otherwise fine. I tested negative, so the next day I got boosted. I’m off to see my mom today after not visiting since before Thanksgiving. Dan is staying home just to be safe. Thank you for asking! Enjoy your Saturday!
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I have added it to my list
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You’re welcome, friend. Christ is a “Wonderful Counselor” Much like yourself, but with more experience. 😇 Thank you. Have a blessed weekend!
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Some talk about prayer like it’s a magic formula. I disagree. It’s more like tuning into a radio station—a heavenly one. There are times when you just KNOW what to pray and HOW hard to pull the rope. It sounds like your mom had an experience like that while praying for your son. Thanks, Betty. Blessings to you and Dan. I trust you both are fully recovered?
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Spurgeon is one of my favorites. Thanks, Chris!
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Great illustration. I have never thought of prayer that way. I love the concept of it ringing a bell in Heaven.
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I never thought about how much confidence I have when I pray. But I guess if you pray with faith, the confidence is in there somewhere. When my son was born so many years ago, he had some medical issues. I remember my mom later saying, “You don’t know how hard I prayed.” Over time, my son’s issues were resolved. I do believe his baptism (which I had asked for before his scheduled brain surgery – and which was cancelled at the last minute due to his sudden improvement) and all our prayers were answered.
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Thank you, David. I found this challenging – and a good reminder that we’re ALLOWED to ask with boldness. I realize that often I’m timid in my prayers when I needn’t be. You’ve encouraged me to approach prayer differently now.
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Thank you, Barb. I found the quote I shared in a wonderful book called “The Quotable Spurgeon,” published by Shaw Press, and edited by Lewis Drummond. It is written in devotional format—a scripture passage followed by a quote from Spurgeon. Anyway, being a book lover, I believe you would enjoy it! Thank you for reading and sharing.
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Love the analogy of prayer being a ringing bell!
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That’s right, Mandy! God is always at work. And our prayers can become His hands and feet. Let’s do this!
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Greet object lesson! Bold and courageous prayers are needed now more than ever!
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Thank you for stopping by, Manu. When I saw the sign on the door it reminded me to pray with confidence. Blessings!
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Such a good reminder David to pray with boldness and steadiness.
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