Rhapsody Of Realities January 9th 2025, FAITH AND WORSHIP

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil (Matthew 15:22)

In our last two studies, we reviewed two important mysteries about prayer: lifting up of our hands and praying in the night watches. There’s also another mystery about prayer that has to do with faith and worship. I’ll explain this with an intriguing story in the Bible. In Matthew 15:22, we read about a woman of Canaan who cried out to Jesus for help. The situation was dire; her daughter was afflicted by a demon, and the physicians couldn’t help. Despite her desperate plea, the Lord Jesus initially remained silent. Verse 23 says, …he answered her not a word…. The Master’s silence didn’t deter the woman as she remained importunate.

The disciples, uncomfortable by the Master’s silence, urged Him to rather send the woman away because she was causing a disturbance. Finally, the Lord spoke, saying, _*”…l am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel”*_ (Matthew 15:24). Undeterred, the woman decided to add worship to her faith-request; the Bible says she came and worshipped Jesus, saying, _*”…Lord, help me”*_ (Matthew 15:25). At that moment, the conversation shifted; Jesus then responded with a seemingly strong statement: _*”…It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs”*_ (Matthew 15:26).

Yet unmoved, the woman still expressed her faith saying, _*”…Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table”*_ (Matthew 15:27). Her response was a demonstration of great faith and humility. In verse 28, Jesus commended her; saying, _*”…O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt….”*_ Her daughter was healed from that very hour. This story reveals a profound lesson: worship can be the key that unlocks divine responses when it seems like there’s silence from God.

The woman’s persistent faith and worship led to her miracle. Have you ever prayed and it seemed like you weren’t hearing anything from the Lord? You’re wishing you could hear from God and it seems as though there’s no response? Do what the woman did. In faith, worship the Lord profusely and sincerely, and you’ll get a response. Hallelujah! Moment of Worship:

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I worship and adore you, the everlasting King of glory, the only wise and true God, gracious, holy, righteous, pure and kind. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty and the splendour! You’re exalted as head over all, and l extol your majesty and praise you for your blessings and wondrous works in my life and in all the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*||* *John 4:23-24*

*||* *Matthew 15:22-28 NKJV*

*||* *Hebrews 11:6*

*||* *Psalm 34:1*

TRAD ALSO:

Rhapsody Of Realities January 8th 2025, PRAYER IN THE NIGHT WATCHES

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS;

I am loaded with good things, and my life is like a city set on a hill that can not be hidden. I am visible and well-positioned. This year, the Spirit of God is magnifying my voice around the nations of the world. I can never be small because the anointing of God’s Spirit has set me apart for greatness, causing me to spread and make progress on every side. Poverty isn’t a part of my life, for I’m an heir of God; therefore, the silver is mine, and the gold is mine; the world belongs to me. The ability of God is at work in me today, and I’m conscious of it! I don’t function in my own ability or strength, for God’s inherent ability is in me. My strength is renewed daily, and I’m divinely energized at all times for victory. I have sound knowledge and understanding.

I have strength, might, and power. I speak excellent and princely things. I have an understanding heart. The opening of my lips are for right things. My words are all righteous. I speak the truth always. God has given me wisdom. There is nothing beyond me. There is nothing I cannot handle. I have a wise and discerning heart. Christ is my excellent wisdom. Nothing and no one can hurt or come against me successfully, for I have the unconquerable life of God. Satan and the powers of darkness are under my feet; therefore, I have nothing to fear. The impulses of fear have been completely disabled from my life. Irrespective of the situation, I’m bold and courageous, speaking the Word in faith. There is an overflow, a bursting forth of finances in my life.

My money is abundant. My blessings, possessions and everything about me are abundant. I am secure from the plagues in the world. I live in supernatural divine perfect health and peace. Sickness will not devour my body or my money. Mishaps, misfortunes, accidents, mistakes, calamities and tragedies cannot devour my money. Disasters and catastrophes cannot afflict me. I have blessings, favour, peace, calmness, joy and delight everywhere. I have access to the inexhaustible, boundless, and unsearchable riches of Christ. My resources are multiplied. I am enriched in all things. I am rich in money, favour, ideas, supply, and material resources. I am rich in all things. Everything I require for the abundant life in Christ is available to me in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.