“Give an inch, they’ll take a mile,” is an idiom meaning, “Do something for someone, they’ll often ask for more.” An actual inch is one-twelfth of a foot, and there are 5,280 feet in a mile – so a person who requests that much is quite bold.

“Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”

Genesis 18:32

Abraham used that level of boldness to request mercy for Sodom when God planned to destroy it. He pleaded, “What if there are fifty righteous people there?” God agreed to withhold judgment for fifty. Abraham was persistent. “Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” (Genesis 18:28) As God agreed to spare them, Abraham continued dropping the number until he got to ten.

God wants us to be bold in our prayers. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Take your big requests to God, for yourself and especially for the rescue and salvation of others. Then boldly pray for President Obama to be courageous in his own prayer life.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 18:22-33