The Coordinator of the Lagos chapter of Nigeria Prays, Rev. Toyin Kehinde, has said the chapter has concluded plans to hold a one-day prayer summit on Sunday March 22 with the theme Arise O Lord, while also urging Christians not to give up on Nigeria.
He made the disclosure during a chat with Church Times.
Nigeria Prays is a non-denominational prayer group established by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Rev. Kehinde said: ”Many people question prayer. They wonder, since we have been praying, has there been any improvement? Many have given up on Nigeria and think it’s pointless to pray for the country.
“But I am convinced that if not for the prayers of the saints, Nigeria would have long been forgotten. It is the prayer of God’s people that has kept us together as a country. We can’t afford to give up on praying for Nigeria.”
He argued that Nigeria, without the prayer of God’s people, would be rudderless, urging Christians to keep interceding for the country. ‘The injunction of Jesus for us is that men ought always to pray and not to faint’
The prayer summit
Regarding the summit, he said: “It’s a one-day event and we expect key leaders of the church to be there. The one-day prayer is strategic and symbolic. We have been praying behind closed doors, but this one is to create awareness and bring together leaders from across denominations to pray for Nigeria.”
He noted that the prognosis for Nigeria is scary and “the only person who can help us is God.
” We can’t stop calling on God. Jesus encouraged us in His word to keep praying. He also showed example by constantly praying,” Kehinde stated.
He however, warned that prayer should not take away our responsibility. “We encourage Christians to live by their calling. If we pray and we don’t do the right thing, we are making a mockery of the God we serve. Prayer is not a replacement for hard work or for being truthful in our dealings.”
He then called on Christians, irrespective of their denominations, to make time for the event which will take place at the RCCG Jubilee Christian Centre in Surulere, Lagos as from 2pm..