29/03/2026
Unusual Praise service
SERMON MESSAGE
Preached by Pastor Mrs. Afolabi
Opening Encounter and Prophetic Declaration
The message began with a powerful revelation encounter, as Pastor Mrs. Afolabi shared an experience with Mommy G.O, declaring prophetically:
“We shall not run ahead of God, and we shall not run behind Him. In every step of our lives, we will move according to His divine timing.”
She then led the congregation into a deep session of prayer, invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and stirring the atmosphere for divine encounter.
Opening Song
She lifted a heartfelt Yoruba song:
“Saanu mi k’aye ma bere pe,
Olorun mi da…”
(Have mercy on me so the world will not ask questions, my God answer me…)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A session of thanksgiving followed, appreciating God for His goodness, preservation, and unfailing mercy. She prayed:
☆ That God should take absolute control of the service
☆ That no one will return the same way they came
☆ That divine mercy will locate every life present
Theme: Praise Attracts Mercy
Bible Text: Lamentations 3:23
“They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Understanding the Mercy of God
× Mercy is what we do not deserve, yet God gives it freely.
× Mercy is God giving us another chance when we fail.
× Mercy is God diverting evil that would have befallen us.
× Mercy is the reason you are still standing today.
“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”
This shows that mercy is not by merit, effort, or qualification—it is purely by God’s divine will.
How Praise Attracts Mercy
1. Praise Positions You for Mercy
Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
David was a man who constantly praised God, even in difficult situations. His life is proof that praise attracts divine intervention and mercy.
2. Praise Keeps You Close to God
Psalm 22:3
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
God dwells in the atmosphere of praise. When you praise Him, you bring His presence closer, and where God is, mercy flows freely.
3. Praise Softens Judgment
2 Samuel 24:16
“And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil…”
Praise and intercession can move God to show mercy instead of judgment. Even when punishment is deserved, praise can alter outcomes.
What Qualifies a Man for Mercy?
1. Obedience and Humility
Proverbs 1:8
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart…”
A humble and obedient heart attracts God’s mercy.
2. The Fear of the Lord
Psalm 103:13
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”
God shows compassion to those who reverence Him.
Verse 16 Psalm 103:
“For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.”
This verse reminds us of the frailty of human life. Man is like grass—here today, gone tomorrow. Without God’s mercy, life is empty and temporary. Therefore, fearing God secures His compassion and enduring mercy.
Showing Mercy to Others
Psalm 109:10–16
(Full passage encourages reflection on the consequences of lacking mercy.)
When a person refuses to show mercy, they may also be denied mercy.
* Mercy is reciprocal
* What you give is what you receive
“When you show mercy, you receive mercy.”
Conclusion
* Mercy is not automatic
* Mercy is not by qualification
* But mercy is always available
All that is required is:
* A life of praise
* A heart of humility
* The fear of God
* Showing mercy to others
Altar Call
Pastor Mrs. Afolabi called on everyone to surrender their lives to God, emphasizing that true mercy begins with a relationship with Him.
Closing Song
“If it’s not by grace, where would I be…”
Closing Prayer (Prayer of Mercy)
O Lord, let Your mercy speak for me where I cannot speak for myself
Father, let Your mercy cancel every judgment over my life
By Your mercy, give me another chance
Let Your mercy locate me and my family today
I will not miss divine mercy in Jesus’ name
Amen.
