Ringing the Bell!

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. — James 5:16

Charles Spurgeon likened prayer to ringing a bell in heaven.  Prayer pulls the rope on earth and the bell rings above in the ears of God.  Sadly, some barely stir the bell because their prayers are so anemic.  Others only give an occasional tug on the rope.  But he who is heard in heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously and fervently with all his might—“and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven” (2 Chron. 30:27).

However, we must grasp the rope of prayer with clean hands, otherwise the bell will not be rung.  God says, “When ye spread forth your hands… yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isa 1:15 cf. Isa. 59:1-3).

If your prayers are not being heard in heaven the problem is at your end of the rope. The Psalmist said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Ps. 66:18).

Let’s grip the rope with clean hands and pull fervently and frequently.  God will hear from heaven and answer (2 Chron. 7:14).