On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Pastor Mathew Eleojoh James of Solemn Faith International Church in Port Harcourt delivered a powerful and transformative message titled Engaging the Spirit of Supplication. Drawing from Zechariah 12:10, the sermon emphasized the essence, purpose, and transformative power of supplication in the life of a believer.
Pastor Ele-Ojo began by defining supplication as an intentional act of bringing one’s concerns to God rather than seeking answers from men.
He underscored that supplication is not merely a request but a responsibility that demonstrates faith and trust in divine intervention.
According to the pastor, embracing supplication is the first step to overcoming life’s challenges and spiritual barriers.
He explained that satanic barriers often hinder the fulfillment of destiny and cited examples from the scriptures, such as the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. These barriers, he said, can only be broken through divine strategies.
One such strategy is reliance on “the rod of the word,” a metaphor for God’s promises and power. Pastor Ele-Ojo referenced key scriptures, including Exodus 4:17 and Psalm 110:2, to illustrate how God’s word acts as a tool to dismantle obstacles.
The word of God, he noted, carries three distinct characteristics that make it effective in breaking barriers.
It acts as fire to consume, a hammer to shatter, and an axe to uproot stubborn obstacles. Drawing from Jeremiah 23:29 and other passages, Pastor Ele-Ojo highlighted the unstoppable power of God’s word when used in faith and obedience.
In addition to the word, he emphasized the importance of receiving the prophetic mantle, which carries the grace and anointing of spiritual authority. Citing examples such as Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:9, he noted that the transfer of prophetic mantles equips believers to operate in supernatural dimensions, breaking barriers that appear insurmountable.
The role of the Holy Spirit and the practice of prayer and fasting were also emphasized as essential components of engaging the spirit of supplication.
Pastor Ele-Ojo referenced Acts 2:1-4 and Matthew 4:1-11, explaining that these practices align believers with God’s will and empower them to overcome spiritual opposition.
Through prayers and fasting, he said, believers can suspend satanic operations and activate divine breakthroughs.
Pastor Ele-Ojo shared thought-provoking insights, reminding the congregation that supplication is the pathway to overcoming rejection and achieving acceptance.
He illustrated this with the story of Moses, who transitioned from rejection to divine purpose after encountering God in the burning bush. According to the pastor, rejection can be reversed on the altar of supplication, where divine intervention interrupts negative patterns.
He declared that breaking barriers is synonymous with achieving breakthroughs. Until barriers are dismantled, he said, careers and destinies remain stagnant. By engaging in supplication, believers not only break through obstacles but also position themselves for miracles and divine favor.
The sermon concluded with a series of profound declarations, including the reminder that no one who sincerely talks to God will end up in failure. Pastor Ele-Ojo urged the congregation to embrace the power of supplication, noting that the altar of supplication is also the altar of suspension where satanic operations are halted, and divine plans are activated.
The message left a lasting impact on the congregation, as they were reminded of the importance of taking their battles to God in supplication rather than relying on human solutions. The sermon served as a call to action, inspiring believers to deepen their faith and engage the spirit of supplication for victorious living.
