Paul Salami, the parish priest of St Michael Catholic Church, Kagini, Bwari area council in Abuja, has urged Christians to use the 2024 Lent period to intercede for Nigeria.
Mr Salami said Wednesday in Abuja that there was a need to ask for divine intervention for the country’s economic challenges.
“If we look at the situation today, it is pathetic and terrible. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, a state of hopelessness everywhere among Nigerians. Difficult as it may look, it is important we use this season of Lent to beg God to show mercy on us as individuals and as a nation in general.
We need to beg God to ease the pains of His children and bring a positive turnaround. It is a sacrifice we must make through intensive fasting, prayers and giving of alms,’’ he said.
Mr Salami urged Christians to pray for the world at large, especially for warring countries globally and those going through famine and other unnatural and natural disasters.
He charged Christians to form the habit of praying at all times while giving God supplications through periodic fasting, as needed.
Mr Salami said this act was to emulate and share in the suffering of Jesus Christ before his eventual death on the cross and his resurrection after three days.
The clergy, while encouraging giving as an act of love as mandated by God, urged Christians to cultivate the habit of generosity despite the economic hardship.
Ebirim Robert, a parishioner, said giving was an obligation that opened doors for blessings; therefore, all Nigerians should emulate it.
He said the act was not only about giving money or material things but also a show of kindness and love to people needing care.
Mr Robert said helping with work in the home, hospitals or helping old people seek companionship were also acts of giving.
Esther Achugo, a parishioner, urged Christians not to relent in praying for the country.
Ms Achugo urged Christians to use the Lenten season to cry out to God in total submission on behalf of the nation.
She urged Christians to keep the Lenten sacrifice, the fast, and the teachings as part of life, even after the Lenten period.
(NAN)