By Olayinka Aboderin
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev James Odedeji has pleaded with women in the diocese not to neglect their prayer and devotional life in the year 2025
He made the plea on Sunday January 26 at the rededication service of women of the diocese which took place at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja,.Lagos
The event also took place in selected zones across the diocese with the theme: “Be A Beacon of Light”.
Odedeji, who was represented at the AVMCC chapter of the event by the dean of the cathedral, Ven. Ebenezer Adewole charged the women never to joke with their prayer life..
According to him, it is a life that is dedicated to God in prayer that can truly enjoy fellowship with God. ‘No matter what happens, let nothing take away your prayer life. Your family altar must be alive. Spend time with God in personal and family devotion..
This is the time to be more prayerful. We must not joke with our family altar. We must not joke with the gathering of God’s children.’
He also urged the women to live a life of generosity.’. ‘ Our God is a giver. Learn to be generous..learn to be a blessing to people around you..Learn to promote good works’ he said.
Bishop Odedeji further urged the women to forget the past and start afresh ‘ Begin the year afresh and look for new opportunities in God’s vineyard.’ he said, adding The past year has gone. We can start afresh and embrace new opportunities to serve.’
While encouraging the women to hold onto God, he said. ‘We have no other place to go apart from God. Our concern should be loving God and doing his will. When our children, husband and extended families love God we have nothing to lose but rather we have a lot to gain because their love for God will translate to peace and harmony in the family.’
He also admonished the women to forgive.always. ‘Learn to forgive those who offend you. Do not harbour grudges against people. It is when you forgive that you can enjoy God’s unending blessings and peace.
‘It may not be convenient. But you should know that Christianity is not a matter of convenience, but commitment. It is time for us to be committed to God’s word. That is the only way we can please him:’