Rev. Timothy Yahaya of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Kaduna Diocese, on Sunday in Abuja advised Christians to intensify prayers for the nation. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the nation needed intense prayers now to avert “evil, disunity and famine’’ as the year runs to an end.
Rev. Yahaya spoke with NAN after the church’s diocesan 32nd anniversary thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of the Advent (Anglican Communion) Life Camp, Abuja.
He also urged Nigerians to seek divine blessings through prayers for the nation “at these trying times.’’
According to him, obedience to God’s commandments and prayers for the nation at all times will enable Nigerians to enjoy His bounties.
“Christians in Nigeria cannot obey divine instruction and be forgotten by God. I want all Nigerians to know that God’s delay is not denial. God will intervene in the economic and security crises in Nigeria only if we obey and pray consistently”
“Your consistency in prayer and doing well provokes God to remember you. Corruption is not only stealing of funds and manipulation; it is knowing the right thing and not doing it; and it is a sin. Let all Nigerians, irrespective of religion and tribe, pray for the peace and stability of the nation and embrace unity to attain greater heights,’’ he admonished.
Earlier, Rev. Yahaya, in his sermon encouraged Nigerians to embrace God as their universal helper in times of need.
“We are in perilous times. God is our refuse and strength, a very present help and he won’t forsake us,’’ he preached.
He also advised Christians to humble themselves before God to get the desired results to all prayers.
Also speaking with NAN, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Anglican Diocese advised Nigerians to be patient and be prayerful as all afflictions encountered would pass away.
Most Rev. Ndukuba said in spite of all afflictions, tribulations and challenges, God will rise for Nigeria.
“God who is unlimited will stand for us. I encourage Nigerians to look up to only God in all decisions,’’ he said.
He advised Christians to use the Church’s teachings to build the lives of other Nigerians for a better country.
The primate expressed optimism that Nigeria would encounter a fresh start and growth as Christians continued to pray. He prayed against bloodshed and banditry in Nigeria.
The anniversary’s theme for 2021 was: “A very present help’’ taken from Psalm 46:10.
Psalm 46:10 reads: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted in the earth. Those who know Him and those who don’t will all exalt Him and acknowledge that He is the true God.’’