By Ukpa Ewa
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province of the Niger, has held a statewide prayer rally in Anambra, bringing together clergy and worshippers from nine dioceses to seek God’s intervention in the affairs of the Church, the state and the nation.
The Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS), held on November 7, at Paul University Field, Awka, featured worship, praise and intercessory prayers. The event was presided over by the Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor.
Speaking on the theme, “Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High God,” Bishop Ezeofor said it was chosen in response to the prevailing challenges confronting society. He urged christians to remain steadfast in God’s presence, expressing confidence that those who trust in Him would enjoy divine protection amid life’s difficulties.
He encouraged Anglicans not to lose hope, maintaining that although people might stumble, God remained firmly on His throne. He called for continued prayers for the church, the province and the various dioceses, while expressing concern over developments that had placed the church in the public spotlight for the wrong reasons.
On the forthcoming general elections, he cautioned against a one-party system, urged Nigerians to make informed choices through the ballot and called on the Presidency, INEC and other electoral stakeholders to respect the people’s mandate.
In his homily, the Archdeacon of Onitsha South Archdeaconry, Ven. Emma Ezeugo, who preached on the same theme drawn from Psalm 91:1, described the secret place as a personal space of fellowship with God, free from distractions. He lamented the declining culture of personal prayer among christians, observing that many speak about prayer without dedicating sufficient time to practising it.
Ven. Ezeugo urged believers to remain consistent in prayer until they experience divine intervention, stressing that dwelling in God’s presence requires concentration, commitment and undivided attention. He further described the shadow of the Almighty as a symbol of divine security and encouraged christians to overcome distractions, shun spiritual laziness and cultivate a lifestyle of prayer to strengthen their faith and overcome fear.
Sharing her experience, Mrs. Okoro Uzoamaka of the Diocese on the Niger described the rally as spiritually uplifting and thanked God for making her attendance possible despite nearly missing the programme. She pledged to apply the lessons learnt, while encouraging other christians to seek God’s face, live exemplary lives and positively influence others towards Christ.
The dioceses represented at the rally were the Niger, Awka, Nnewi, Aguata, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nigeria West, Niger East and Amichi. Their participation reflected the gathering’s statewide character and provided an opportunity for worshippers and clergy to unite in prayer and fellowship.
Also present was the Bishop of the Diocese of Amichi, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, alongside other church dignitaries and worshippers who participated in the programme.
Ukpa Ewa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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