We all would agree that prayer, among many other things, must be humble and reverent, respecting God for All He is!

Why, Psalm 10:17 proves this: “LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble.”

And Isaiah 66:2 has God saying: “But to this man will I look (pay attention to), even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

Yet the Bible also teaches us … “To come boldly before the Throne of Grace!” Quoting Hebrews 4:16, in part. Where “boldly” (Greek “parrhesia”) means “telling it all,” letting God know the true thoughts of your heat, including your fears and worries and hidden sins.

And if we can cast “all our cares” on Jesus, surely that allows us some latitude in prayer! (See 1 Petr 5:7.)

The Old Testament Psalmists sure were bold, at least at times. “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” David in Psalm 13:1-2.

Yes, that’s pretty stern!

Still when praying, keep it reverent, full of faith!

Yet in Psalm 40:13 David prays: “O LORD, make haste to help me.”

This prayer by David (a man after God’s Own Heart) seems to be saying, “Hurry up dear Lord!”

“Make haste!”

Did you ever need God … right then?

You couldn’t wait?

Did you ever ask (hopefully very carefully) Him to act speedily?

That’s what the Psalmist is here doing!

Isn’t this idea pretty much parallel with Revelation 22:20 … “Even so, Come Lord Jesus!”

I take this line of praying to mean, to teach us … to be humble … and to be bold.

Think about it.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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