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There is a woman in Scripture that I relate to so much.
She is often called the Syrophoenician woman (or the Canaanite woman), and her story is recorded in:
- Matthew 15:21–28
- Mark 7:24–30
Both accounts are short, but powerful.
She is a mother who comes to Jesus because her daughter is suffering.
Matthew records her cry:
“Have mercy on me, Lord… my daughter is cruelly demon possessed.” (Matthew 15:22)
This woman is desperate but has faith that Jesus can help her.
When Jesus Is Silent
But Jesus does not answer her at first.
Matthew says:
“But He did not answer her a word.” (Matthew 15:23)
And yet… she keeps going to him, asking, knocking, pressing.
So much so that Jesus’ disciples become frustrated.
They say:
“Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us…” (Matthew 15:23)
In other words, she’s annoying. She’s persistent. She’s not taking the hint!
Sometimes prayer looks like refusing to stop. Sometimes faith looks like continuing even when you feel like it’s not working.
When the Answer Isn’t What You Wanted to Hear
When Jesus finally responds, it isn’t the response she was hoping for.
He tells her:
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)
She was not part of Israel. She was not part of the covenant.
And still… she does not stop.
She bows before Him and says:
“Lord, help me.” (Matthew 15:25)
When the Words Feel Harsh
Then Jesus says something that seems even harsher:
“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26)
In that time, Gentiles were often viewed with contempt by the Jews.
They were called dogs.
I believe Jesus is testing her.
And I also believe He is showing something to His disciples.
He is about to open the door wider than they ever imagined.
He is about to do something new.
The Faith That Refuses to Be Offended
This is the moment that makes me love this woman even more.
She doesn’t storm off, or argue, or get offended.
She responds with humility and faith:
“Yes, Lord… but even the dogs feed on the crumbs…” (Matthew 15:27)
She acknowledges Him as her Master and acknowledges His authority.
And she believes that even the smallest portion of what belongs to Him is enough to change her child’s life.
And Jesus responds:
“O woman, your faith is great… it shall be done for you as you wish.” (Matthew 15:28)
And her daughter is healed.
What This Teaches Us About Praying for Your Children
This is not just a beautiful Bible story.
This is a blueprint.
When we pray for our children, we often face the same obstacles:
- Silence
- Delay
- Disappointment
- Frustration
- Weariness
- The temptation to quit
And yet this woman shows us how to press in to Jesus in prayer:
She knew what she needed.
Her daughter needed help.
She knew who could help her.
Jesus.
And she refused to let go until she knew He heard her.
That is a picture of persistent prayer.
You Are a Covenant Child—And You Can Ask
One of the most interesting parts of this story is that this woman didn’t even have the covenant promise that you and I have today. And yet she pressed in.
We are covenant children through the blood of Jesus.
We have access. We have an invitation.
Jesus Himself tells us to:
Ask… seek… knock. (Matthew 7:7)
And that’s why we can pray for our children with confidence and faith.
Keep Knocking, Mama
If you have ever had a heavy heart for your child…
If you have ever wondered if things would be okay…
If you have ever felt burdened by something you could not fix…
Then follow this woman’s example.
She refused to stop praying until she knew Jesus heard her.
I believe God has given us this story as a reminder. It’s an example of what it looks like to pray with faith for your child.
A Resource to Help You Pray When You Don’t Have the Words
One reason I wrote my book Covered in Prayer: 31 Prayers to Cover You and Your Child in God’s Grace is because I know what it feels like to want to pray… but not know what to say.
Sometimes when your heart is heavy, it’s hard to find the words.
I want to help you find the words.
That’s why I created this free resource to help you get started: A Daily Prayer for Your Child.
It’s a free PDF you can use to get started—something simple to help you begin praying over your child or someone you love. Get your copy HERE: A Daily Prayer for Your Child.
So don’t be shy. Go to Him. Knock on His door. Pray the prayer of faith.
Even when it feels like nothing is happening.
Even when it feels like your words are hitting the ceiling and falling back down.
Keep praying.
Keep pressing.
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