Redeemer and Restorer (Olurapada) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 7, 2025
- P L U N D E R E R
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
The other night I settled down to spend time with the Lord and began to give thanks. I have a list of Names of Veneration that I sometimes use when I want to get serious about regaling the Lord, so I pulled it out.
A word jumped out at me and lingered on my tongue. The word was 'Olurapada.' From the Yoruba language, it is spoken in Western Nigeria, Togo, and parts of Brazil where many Yoruba descendants still speak it.
'Olurapada' translates to Redeemer and/or Restorer. However, this does not convey the true depth of the term. 'Olu' is a Yoruba word for King and is also used for the titles 'Lord' and 'God'. The rest of the word, 'ra pada,' requires a little explanation. It essentially means the one who buys back. So, technically speaking, 'Olurapada' means the King who buys back.
This was the understanding of the word that I focused on. As I meditated on it, I bowed in worship. I was amazed that the God of the universe considered me worthy to be restored to Him. And not only that, but He deemed me of so much value that He paid for me with the blood of His Son.
The more I thought about this, the more I marveled. I confess, I cried. (This happens more as I get older and I've leaned into this softer version of who I'm becoming.) The tears flowed as I considered who I was before God grabbed me out of a dangerous situation. I had a lot going on and desperately needed a savior. Somehow, He agreed to be that and much more.
God is my Olurapada, the One who bought me with a blood price. The One who restored me to Himself as a child redeemed (Psalm 107:2). He cleansed me and placed me in royal garments that reveal my heritage as a member of His Kingdom. The One who saves saved me and continues to save me. What a blessing!
My prayer is that you have experienced God the Redeemer, Rescuer, and Restorer. I hope you can attest to His stepping up to surround you with His wings (Psalm 91:4). If that is not the case, I pray you will come to know God in this way. I pray you will patiently wait for Him to reveal Himself to you and allow Him to be your Olurapada, no matter the circumstances, IJN, Amen.
To learn more, read:
There are a few Yoruba songs about God as Olurapada. This, however, is my favorite.
It is a song that purely exalts the Lord, applying the Yoruba tradition of eulogizing - offering high praise. Parents eulogize their children to express affection and prophesy into their lives. Spouses do it for the same reasons and to sometimes soften a big ask. A royal announcer eulogizes the kings of the Yoruba kingdom as they walk into their court.
I hope this gives some context to the song. It is a deep and heavily cultural song created to praise the Lord. I also see it as a battle song and treat it as such. After all, Jehoshaphat and his army marched to battle…
ALTAR CALL
Do you understand what I mean when I say God bought me back?
Please watch the video below. It will give some insights into what I'm talking about in today's post. The video also explains why and how to submit to Jesus Christ and become part of God's royal family.
If you watched the video to the end and say that prayer, then welcome to being a child of God! Send me a message and I'll answer questions and send you more material, okay?
God bless you.