Cleric urges genuine prayers to defeat coronavirus

 Oyebola Owolabi

THE founder and General Overseer of the Gospel Saints Church, a.k.a Hand of Fire, Igando Lagos, Pastor Jacob Shodeinde, has urged Nigerians to seek God for solution to the coronavirus pandemic.

Shodeinde, who praised front line workers for their efforts, reiterated that only a super power, God Almighty in this case, can heal the world.

In a statement titled ‘A call to Prayer over the COVID-19 Pandemic’, he said: “I must hail the efforts of frontline workers who are toiling to keep the universe safe.

“However, there is a need to acknowledge and seek the help of a greater power, a power that is beyond science, the power above all other powers. In times like this, we must turn to the creator, the maker of heaven, earth, and everything that lies in it.

“From the inception of the world, the Church has been at the forefront of fostering world peace through the power of prayers.

“From the time of the Israelites to the 21st century, the power of prayers has come through for humanity. “I believe that as individuals first, and as nations, we should retire into our closets, go on our knees, and seek the face of the Lord in this perilous time, in prayers and supplications. Let us intercede on behalf of each other to God for he alone is able to defeat this common enemy.

“If we as a people are humble and turn to God, he will purge our universe, cleanse our countries, and heal our bodies of any infirmity that threatens our existence.

“Together in prayers, we are stronger than any sickness. Together in one voice, the heavens shall hear us. Together on our knees, we shall prevail.

“Let’s pray to God with these bible passages for seven days – 1 Corinthians 5:6-7; Isaiah 53:5; Job 3:17-18; 2Chronicles 7:14; Mathew 7:7 and Revelation 22: 1-2 – that the God of Passover heals the planet.

“Let the blood of Jesus wash away every sin and bring repentance to the world. By the grace of God, this pandemic will disappear.”