Requests of Submission Humility & Faith.

Found in Matthew 15:21-28, there was a Canaanite woman full of submission, humility and faith. (Click HERE to read the previous post, unpacking her story.)

Moving forward with application, there are so many questions: What did the disciples learn? What should we learn? How does her story impact our lives?

Our Requests, Our Humility, Our Faith

For me, I feel like God is telling us that this Canaanite woman can teach us a lot about our prayer life. Before we make a request, we should to be willing to check our heart condition.

We should be willing to ask ourselves some difficult questions:

1. Are my requests given in submission?

Are we approaching prayer with the mindset that we’re approaching the Creator of heaven and earth? Are we prepared to come before our Lord and Master? Do we know our role?

If we’re Christians and we truly believe that God’s will, should come before our will, then perhaps, our petitions should be more focused on needs, than wants.

2. Are my requests stemming from a place of humility?

I can’t say it enough. Scripture shows us that God is not really concerned with what we do, but why we do it. It’s what’s in our hearts that really matters.

Before we make our requests, have we opened ourselves up for the Holy Spirit’s conviction? Is there sin in our lives that we need to deal with? Are we filled with pride, self-pity and arrogance?

Let’s lay these struggles at the foot of the cross in repentance, so that our first request may be a request for forgiveness.

3. Are my requests full of faith?

Will we remain faithful, even when our requests are not answered the first time? What about the second time? Third time? What if our requests are never granted? Do we believe that we’re still being heard? Will we remain faithful to Christ?

Even if the request is never granted we must continue our humble submission to His will and remain faithful.

“She Came to Jesus” by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette:

She came to Jesus from outside the fold—
Canaanite woman! Persistent and bold!
Looking to Jesus, she wanted to see
One who would help her and set her child free.

Claiming a blessing, a touch of God’s grace,
She knew God’s love was not bounded by place.
Jesus, you listened, debated — then healed —
For in her asking, her faith was revealed.

God, you still bless those who seek you in prayer.
You welcome dreamers who faithfully dare.
In Christ, now risen, your mercy extends:
Those on the outside are welcomed as friends.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

What requests have you been giving to God for years? What have you learned from this time of waiting?