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Tag: prayers

  •  God will answer your prayers

     God will answer your prayers

    • By Henry O. Adelegan

    As we step into a new month in this sacred season of Lent today, we are reminded of God’s unfailing promise: He hears and answers prayers. In a world where many question whether their cries reach heaven, where prayers seem unanswered, and where fasting and supplication sometimes feel futile, Scripture reassures us that God remains faithful. The Apostle John affirms in 1 John 5:14 that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. The Psalmist echoes this truth, declaring that the God who created ears surely hears, and the One who formed eyes surely sees (Psalm 94:9). God Himself declares through the prophet Jeremiah, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not” (Jeremiah 33:2-3).

    Yet, for prayers to be answered, they must align with God’s will. When we stray from His commandments and live outside His purpose, our prayers become mere noise, our fasting turns into a religious ritual devoid of power, and our time in prayer feels empty. The enemy, symbolized as the “Prince of Persia” in Daniel 10:12-13, seeks to delay and hinder answers to prayers. Today, this adversary takes many forms—sin, pride, selfishness, and worldliness—all of which separate us from God and block His response. The Apostle Paul warned of such times, describing a world filled with selfishness, disobedience, and a superficial faith that lacks true devotion (2 Timothy 3:2-5).

    Read Also: Tinubu extends Customs CG Nandap’s tenure till next year

    God is holy, and He cannot tolerate iniquity (Habakkuk 1:13). He warns in Isaiah 1:15 that when hands are stained with sin, prayers will go unheard. Again, in Isaiah 59:1-2, He reminds us that it is not His power that is lacking but that sin creates a barrier between Him and His people. The key to answered prayers is a pure heart, aligned with His will. When we walk in obedience and surrender to Christ, God not only answers our prayers but blesses us beyond what we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20, 2 Chronicles 1:11-12).

    During this Lenten season, let this be a time of true surrender. Give your life to Jesus, confess Him as Lord, seek His forgiveness, and turn away from sin. Avoid influences that lead you astray and commit yourself to a Bible-believing church. Cultivate a heart of gratitude, replacing complaints with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2). Pray with faith, without doubting (Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 21:22), and with the right motives (James 4:3). As you do this, believe that nothing—no power of darkness, no human scheme—can stand in the way of your testimony. As the Lord lives, your mountains shall be brought low, valleys of death shall be lifted up and your crooked paths of challenges shall be made straight and traversable in the name of Jesus.

    Prayer: This month of April 2025, in this sacred season, may you experience God’s presence, His great courage, and the joy of answered prayers, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  • PRAYERS FOR THE NEW BABY

    PRAYERS FOR THE NEW BABY

    (Based on an actual video story)

    Welcome, our New Baby

    Welcome here to our corner of the country

    Son of the tiger

    Son of the lion

    Son of the elephant who shakes

    The forest like a mighty storm

    Son of the crocodile

    Who munches the minnows

    Son of the towering iroko

    Who dwarfs the lowly trees

    Son of the moon which

    Beams its smiles on chosen places

    Son of thunder which

    Drowns the wails of rightless folks

    Here, for you, is water

    Friend of all, foe to none

    Here is honey

    Read Also: Tinubu’s vision, dedication to Nigeria inspiring – Akpabio

    Whose song will sweeten your path

    Here is kolanut

    For long life and ceaseless celebrations

    And here now

    I put this pen in your hand

    You will grow and become

    A President or Governor or Senator

    Or owner of big banks

    Or baron of oil blocks

    With this pen, you too

    Will scoop your share of the national booty

    Come back home

    And build a golden castle

    Join those hawks in our ravaging sky

    Fly back here with a chick within your claws

  • Ramadan: Prayers, supplications to aid Laylat al-Qadr

    Ramadan: Prayers, supplications to aid Laylat al-Qadr

    It is crucial to keep in mind the significance of this night and it is necessary to pray and ask for help in inventive ways. Always make it a point to ask God for forgiveness, and ask for his guidance and protection whenever you get the chance.

    It is expected that one prays not only for well-being and the well-being of the people you care about but also for the growth of society as a whole.

    Below are four frequent prayers for night of power:

    1. Surah Al-Qadr: This is the chapter of the Quran that is specifically dedicated to Laylat al-Qadr. Muslims will often recite this chapter in its entirety as part of their observances on this night.

    Read Also: Ramadan: Benefits of praying, rewards of fasting during Laylat al-Qadr

    2. Du’a al-Qunut: This is a specific supplication that is recited during the last ten days of Ramadan, including on Laylat al-Qadr. It is a prayer for forgiveness, guidance, and protection.
    3. Salat al-Tawbah: This is a specific type of prayer that is performed to seek forgiveness and make amends for any wrongdoings. It is often recited during the Night of Power as a means of seeking out the blessings and mercy of God.
    4. Du’a al-Iftitah: This is a specific supplication that is recited at the beginning of the night on Laylat al-Qadr. It is a prayer for guidance, protection, and blessings.

    In addition to these specific prayers, Muslims may also recite other prayers and supplications from the Quran, as well as engage in other acts of devotion such as reading the Quran, giving charity, and performing good deeds.

  • God answers Prayers!

    God answers Prayers!

    By: Henry O. Adelegan

    • Text:” ……if we ask any thing according to His will, he hears us” I John 5:14

    One of the most spiritually heart rendering questions from believers in the world today is that, “does God still answer prayers?” Who will blame those skeptics when in actual fact a number of them have been praying without answer to their prayers; who will convince them otherwise when they have fasted and prayed and their ‘mountains’ have refused to move. John the beloved, from our text, confirmed that God answers prayers and that He is still in the ministry of granting triumph over circumstances and challenges of life. The Psalmist, while asserting the greatness of God said in Psalms 94:9 that, “He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? (Psalm 94:9). The position of the Psalmist was further buttressed in the words of Jeremiah that, “Thus says the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is His name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.” (Jeremiah 33:2-3). The precursor to prayers been answered, and a life of your Full restoration this year however, is that, it must be in tandem with His will. Anything outside that is a waste of time and efforts.

    Beloved in Christ, kindly be informed that your Full restoration in all facets of life is guaranteed but what will qualify you for it is by staying in His will. If you are out of His will or wander off His commandment, your season of prayers shall be mere noise, your days on the mountain of prayers shall be merely for excursion purposes and your season of fasting shall be bare religious practice which amounts to nothing, and not acceptable to God. The answer to such prayers shall be held down by the accuser of the brethren called the Prince of Persia until the wrongs are righted (Daniel 10:12-13).

    Who or what is this ‘Prince of Persia’? The ‘Prince of Persia’, apart from being a metaphor of the unseen, also stands for whatever is capable of not allowing believers have access to answered prayers. The ‘Prince of Persia’ that is reigning across the globe now, more that ever in history, is sin. We are in the perilous times that Paul told Timothy about, when people shall be “…. lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…(2Timothy 3:2-5)

     Beloved in Christ, kindly be informed that the Almighty God is holy and He cannot behold iniquities (Habakkuk 1:13). The principal requirement of God before He answers prayers is the spotless state of man. God told the rulers of Sodom in Isaiah 1:15 that, “… when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear for your hands are full of blood”. In Isaiah 59:1-2, God said further that “…..the Lord ‘s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness”.

    Read Also: Cleric seeks prayers for Nigeria

     Dear brothers and sisters, when you pray according to the will of God, He will give you all that you asked for and spice them up with the things He believes are right, good and proper for you. In Isaiah 65:24, God said that, “…. it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear”. Besides that, because He is God, the creator of heaven and earth (Isaiah 40:28), He has capacity to “….do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think….” (Ephesians 3:20; cf 2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

    For your prayers to be answered during this season of Lent, it is imperative of you to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, confess His Lordship with your mouth, acknowledge that He came to die for your sins, ask Him to forgive your sins (Romans 4:7,8), flee the appearances of sins, restitute your ways, separate yourself from people that influence you to sin and be a committed member of a Bible believing church. Following that, you must be thankful to God in all situations of life and stop complaining (Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 5:7). And when you pray to God, you must pray in faith without doubting (Hebrews 11:1, 6. Matt. 21:22; 1 Timothy 2:8;James 1:5-7) and avoid praying repetitively for showmanship ( Matthew 6:5-8). Quite related to that, you must check your motives for prayers and pray with the right intentions (James 4:3). This season of Lent is the time for your prayers to be answered. It has been divinely established that there is no plan of hell and there is no scheme of men that shall be able to hinder your testimonies.

    Prayer: Oh Lord arise and deliver me from whatever is standing between me and my answered prayers in the name of Jesus.

  • Oluwo seeks prayers for nation’s survival

    The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to pray for the survival of the country.

    He also called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in over overcoming nation’s socio-political, economic and security challenges.

    Speaking at the Tafsir he organised at the Palace Square in Iwo, Oba Akanbi said the hallmark of patriotism is when the citizens support the ruling party to achieve its vision that “can transform the economy and lives of individuals resident in the country.”

    The Oluwo described the “overwhelming support of Nigerians to the Buhari-Osinbajo ticket at the Presidential election as recognition of virile governance and testimony of the trust Nigerians have in present Federal Government.”

    The Oluwo, who particularly hailed Osinbajo’s performance in office, said he was proud of him as a brilliant Nigerian and decent Yoruba man, who according to him, have exhibited virtuous character associated with the Southwest geo-political zone.

    The monarch prayed for the vice president for his loyalty to Buhari and his patriotism to Nigeria, saying “Osinbajo deserved to be compensated with our prayers.”

    He noted Osinbajo’s contribution the victory of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the last general elections, admonishing the Yoruba to do more for their leaders in future polls.

    He described the last general election as the voice of the masses, saying the results of the poll have shown that power had finally shifted to the masses.

    He praised the Vice President for extending the social intervention programme of the federal government, the Tradermoni, to Iwo, expressing joy that the scheme has transformed many lives positively.

  • Ambode seeks prayers for Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has solicited prayers and support for his successor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the continuous social economic development of the state.

    Ambode gave this charge last week at the second session of the 34th synod of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion at Our Saviour Church TBS, Lagos.

    The three day event tagged  the unfailing faith of our fathers ever sufficient had in attendance former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, the Former Dean and Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglian Communion, Rt Rev Ephraim Ademowo.

    Ambode received an award by the Diocese in recognition of his patriotic contribution to the church and the state.

    He said that Lagos State is on the upward trajectory and need everyone pulling in the same direction.

    The governor stressed the needs for continued unity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence for prosperity of the state.

    He also thanked the citizens and the church for their support for his administration built in the atmosphere of love, peace and brotherhood.

    “It’s on record that no single religious conflict was recorded in the state for the last four years.

    “The peaceful coexistence of all religious sects is a testimony of our collective heritage in the state,” he said.

    He added the theme of the synod was apt and personal, noting that it is a call to remember Christians are children never to be despair in the face of adverse circumstances.

    Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Missioner Church of Nigeria, His Lordship, Rt Rev Humphrey Olumakaiye, commended efforts of the state governor in paddling affairs of Lagos in the last four.

    He pointed out Ambode turned the state to a construction site with development programmes that are masses-oriented.

    He said: “The church appreciates your robust support. Your contribution is making our Lagos better than you met it, it shall remain fresh in our memory, posterity shall praise your contribution to the development of our state and generation unborn shall call you a blessed leader.”

    He charged the incoming governor, Sanwo-Olu to embark on development programmes with bearing on the lives of the people especially the rural poor in the state.

    Olumakaiye said that Lagosians cannot wait any longer to begin experience tremendous improvement in infrastructural development.

  • Obi calls for prayers, says Nigeria is stressed

    The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to use the period of Easter to reflect on the situation in the country and pray for the survival of our democracy.

    In an Easter message released by his media office, Obi said the nation’s democracy, more than ever before, is under heavy stress that needed all hands to be on deck for its survival.

    He said that the nation’s economy is under pressure and required the commitment and sincerity of purpose from critical stakeholders to survive.

    The former Anambra State governor charged the nation’s leaders to stand up for truth and justice to save the country from deteriorating, pointing out that no nation develops in an unjust environment.

    “This country has been undergoing a prolonged period of misfortune that this period of Easter provides huge opportunity for Christians to return to God in supplications for lasting solutions to our myriads of challenges”.

    He noted that at this critical stage in the nation’s journey to development, it’s only standing on the side of truth on the state of the nation can free it from the economic bondage.

    “Indicators are apparent that the country is under siege and Nigerians should use this solemn period of Easter to pray for God to intervene and raise good leaders for the country”, he added.

    Obi charged Christians to see the Easter festivity, which also marks the end of the 40 days special fasting and prayers, as an ample period for positive attitude to one another.

     

     

  • Prayers for victims, survivors of collapsed building

    Sympathisers yesterday gathered on the scene of the collapsed building to pray for the victims and survivors.

    The prayers were organised by the House of Prayers.

    Christian and Muslim clerics took turns to pray for the victims, survivors, and their family members.

    House of Prayers said accommodation and money would be provided for them.

    Pupils from other schools also came to sympathise with the survivors.

    The clerics urged the victim’s families, relatives and friends to take solace in God, saying God gives and takes.

    A minute’s silence was observed for the victims.

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), yesterday called on the Lagos State Government to admit pupils of Ohen Private Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island, in public schools.

    The group said this after donating relief materials to the survivors.

    CSACEFA Acting Lagos Coordinator Mrs. Aderonke Kimemenihia-Eseka said the right to education for the children must not be truncated by safety inadequacy, “which has assaulted our moral sense and has sadly evoked deeper concerns about the role of safety in our educational system.”

    The group, therefore, enjoined the state government to make provision for affected children through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for immediate admission into public primary schools.

    This, Mrs Kimemenihia-Eseka said, would not make them miss the present school term.

    Read also: Drama as LASEMA, LASBCA disagree on collapsed building

    The government, she said, should establish more public primary schools to cater for the educational needs of children in communities where private schools appear to be thriving due to the distance of public schools.

    She called for more strict supervision and monitoring of safety guidelines by all schools across the state, especially private schools.

    “A quality assurance seal that must only be handed over to supervised and monitored schools after health and safety audits. We recommend this activity to take place annually. The government should extend the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) model to cater to private schools and strengthening existing SBMCs in public primary schools,” she said.

  • Cleric seeks prayers for polls

    General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji has urged Nigerians to pray for the elections to be the harbinger of the desired peace, progress and unity.

    Oladeji, who said prayers had sustained Nigeria, admonished stakeholders not to take the masses for granted by engaging in acts that could affect the people’s wellness and wellbeing.

    A statement by the cleric said “the need for divine intervention in ensuring lasting development of the country and better lives for the citizens informed the ongoing three months Divine Power for Enlargement programme”.

    He said the ongoing 63 days vigil, which is a divine agenda, hosted by Pastor Olu Popoola at Christ Apostolic Church, off Ojo/Arulogun Road, Powerline Goodness Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State, “is to empower Nigerians with the power to surmount negative trends”.

    Prophet Oladeji urged CAC members to be rededicated and committed to the church doctrines and Christianity, assuring them that “God will soon restore the lost glory of the church”.

    The programme, which started in January, will end in March.

     

  • Rivers ushers in New Year with prayers, praises

    RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike and senior government officials  gathered  at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace on New Year’s eve to praise God.

    The Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace Choir led a spirit lifting praise-and-worship session that brought down the presence of God.

    Wike; his wife, Eberechi Suzzette and Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo danced and sang, appreciating God for his defence of Rivers State.

    Also present were the Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkanra and the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Winston Iwo said if not for the grace of God and his protection, Rivers would have been swallowed up by the forces of darkness.

    He said: “When the enemies rose in diverse ways against Governor Wike, God stood  by him. God will receive the glory for helping Governor  Wike to deliver in the midst of adversity. We say thank you God.

    “It is by the Grace of God that Governor Wike has done all these in 2018. As we enter 2019, we are confident that God will do more for Rivers State.  We lift Rivers and place it in God’s hand.  He will keep the state and do wonderful  works  in  2019”.

    The first Bible Reading from Exodus 12: 1-14 was taken by the Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, while the second reading from Luke 4: 14-22 was taken by the deputy governor.

    There was another session of prayers that focused on the blessing of God in the lives of the people.  The congregation prayed for God’s blessing and favour in 2019.

    The prayer session was led by the Chaplain, Venerable Sunday Opara.

    Declarations were made  for God to ensure that the people eat the good of the land, with incoming investments in 2019.

    Joining faith with the governor, the leaders spoke peace and security on Rivers, saying peace in the state would enhance development.

    For Nigeria, the leaders prayed God to end the suffering by using 2019 to raise a new leadership at the federal level.

    In Rivers, the leaders asked God for continuity, because of their satisfaction with Wike.

    They prayed for credible elections devoid of manipulation by INEC and security agencies.

    In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rev Innocent Ordu said in 2019, God would take control, protect the people, and help them overcome challenges.

    Ordu said to merit God’s blessing, people should add value to humanity  and improve the society.

    He said as people receive the grace of God, they should bear fruits for God and mankind.

    Rivers, he said, would need fruit-bearing professionals, civil servants, top government officials and key stakeholders  to sustain progress.

    As the countdown to 2019 began, the oldest chorister, Amaopusenibo Martindale Mac-Pepple, led a string  of songs that inspired the congregation.

    Speaking for the governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo said in 2019 God would silence enemies of the state as the election would end in Wike’s favour .

    The governor said he would continue to deliver projects and remain committed  to the people.

    Wike urged the people to continue  to support  his administration as he led his top officials to usher in 2019, with New Year best wishes.

    Rev Ordu offered the first prayer in 2019, declaring the blessing of God on Rivers, Wike and the people.