Once in a year, The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria sets aside a special day to celebrate her women. It is a time of joy, grace, and thanksgiving to God for the lives, sacrifices, and prayers of mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters in the body of Christ.
The atmosphere at Ayegbami Church was vibrant. Women came clothed in glorious attires, colours, and accessories that spoke of dignity and joy in the Lord. The service began with praise and thanksgiving, led by Sister Burmi Adenekan, coordinator of the programme. She welcomed the congregation and set the tone for worship, reminding everyone that they gather not just to celebrate outwardly, but to honour God who is the source of every good gift.
She then introduced Deaconess Bukky Ajala, President of the Fellowship of Women International (FWI). In her welcome address, Deaconess Ajala called the church to unity, understanding, and deeper appreciation of God’s wonders. She expressed her belief that this year’s celebration would draw both those present and those absent closer to God. Her charge to the women was practical and urgent: “Stay close to your children for guidance, counseling, and godly upbringing. The home is the first altar”.
Deaconess Ajala then introduced the Guest Minister, Rev. Mrs. Gbekele Adio, College Principal and Gospel Minister.
The Message: “The Power of a Praying Woman”
Text: 2 Kings 4:18-37; 1 Samuel 1:9-20; Luke 18:1
Rev. Mrs. Adio anchored her message on the theme, “The Power of a Praying Woman”, drawing from two powerful women of faith in Scripture.
- The Shunammite Woman – Faith That Refuses to Give Up
2 Kings 4:18-37
This woman of courage faced the deepest pain a mother can know: her son, the miracle child, died suddenly. Yet she did not break down in despair or blame God. She concealed the matter from her husband, took her donkey, and ran to Prophet Elisha. Her words were raw but faith-filled: “Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, do not deceive me?”
Elisha perceived that something was wrong, though “the Lord had hidden it from me and not told me” 2 Kings 4:27. He went, prayed, and God raised the boy back to life.
Lesson: A praying woman does not stay in the problem. She runs to God and His servant with faith that refuses to accept defeat. Her bitterness was turned into testimony because she believed God who gave the promise could also fulfill it. Romans 4:21.
- Hannah – Persistent Prayer That Moves Heaven
1 Samuel 1:9-20
Hannah was barren and provoked daily by Peninnah. But instead of becoming bitter, she poured out her soul before the Lord in the temple. She made a vow: “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life”.
God heard her cry, and Samuel was born.
Lesson: Persistent, surrendered prayer changes situations. Hannah did not leave the altar the same way she came. “She went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad”. 1 Sam 1:18. God honours the prayers of a woman who gives Him first place.
Rev. Adio reminded the church that “the kingdom of God cannot succumb to the evil machinations of the devil”. She called attention to Luke 18:1: “Men ought always to pray and not to faint”. Any attempt to undermine the word of God or diminish its power will fail, because “the word of our God will stand forever”, Isaiah 40:8. God’s Word is settled in heaven Psalm 119:89, and it is higher than any challenge we face.
Her charge was clear:
- Maintain a lifestyle of righteousness in these last days 1 Peter 1:16.
- Be prayerful, not spiritually asleep Romans 13:11.
- Depend on God for deliverance and for a dedicated walk into destiny Psalm 32:8.
Response and Celebration
After the ministration, Sister Burmi Adenekan called all men and women to stand for their faith. The women ministered in songs and dance, celebrating God’s faithfulness. Sister Adebayo also gave a special ministration in appreciation of the women. The service concluded with prayers and thanksgiving over the refreshments provided by the women.
A Good Conclusion: Be a Woman of the Altar
The world may celebrate women for many things, but heaven celebrates women who pray. The praying woman is a gatekeeper for her home, a burden-bearer for her church, and an intercessor for her nation Ezekiel 22:30.
Call to Action:
- Build a prayer altar in your home. Even 15 minutes daily in God’s presence will change the atmosphere Daniel 6:10.
- Pray the Word. God’s promises are His will. Pray them back to Him like Hannah and the Shunammite woman.
- Don’t faint. Answers may delay, but God is never late Habakkuk 2:3.
May every woman here rise as a Deborah in her generation Judges 5:7 wise, courageous, and prayerful. And may every home in Ayegbami Church become a house of prayer where God’s power is at work.
For prayers and counselling, Pastor Luke Okoro can be reached on +2348051000462
