By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa has urged Nigerians to be more prayerful and alive to their civic responsibilities.
Akinfenwa, who made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan, urged all citizens to pray earnestly for Nigeria.
According to the cleric, by doing so, the will of God may be done in the forthcoming general elections and everything else about the country at large.
“Our need for prayers is in fact more urgent because, as the politicians go through their primaries, our fortune as a nation post-2023 hangs in the balance.
“So far, we have seen how the role played by party delegates can swing the direction of our politics, and limit the options available to the rest of the populace.
“While we may not be able to control them physically, we can indeed hand them over to God (who has power over the minds of all men)”.
Akinfenwa urged Nigerians to pray more intently and with greater urgency, noting that the economies of many nations were challenged as a natural consequence of recent disruptions in the global order.
“While praying for a quick end to hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, we encourage all and sundry to deepen trust in God for sustenance at a trying time like this.
“We also appeal that those who have should share more readily with those in need, let us all commit to greater acts of love, basic altruism and philanthropy.
“The magnitude of need around us should not be allowed to overwhelm us; a single needy person helped has reduced the number, and every single gesture of charity will surely uplift humanity at this time of need”, he said.
The Ibadan Anglican Bishop also implored all and sundry to be more security conscious.
Akinfenwa urged people to learn as much as possible about how to maintain personal security while putting their trust in God for safety.
“The Lord told us that there shall be troubles in the world, so we should not be surprised at all that there is so much upheaval in our world; or that episodes of disturbing events are unending.
“However, our Lord assured us that He shall be with us till the end of the age; therefore He offered us His peace which surpasses all the conflicts and contradictions in the world
“Our own work is to receive the peace and comfort of the Lord in the midst of trouble; and by so doing we shall live above all the vicissitudes of life.
“Our prayers are with Christians and peoples in various parts of the world who are currently victims of violent conflict,” he said.
Akinfenwa further stated that the Pentecost Sunday marked by the Anglican Communion on Sunday, was one of the most important dates in the traditional Church calendar.
“There was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2).
“We pray the good Lord pours out His Spirit upon us once again as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.
”May we receive grace and power to become effective witnesses for Him in our land, and to the uttermost parts of the earth,” he said.
(NAN)
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