A Cleric and Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Omu-Aran Chapter in Kwara, Pastor David Omorinoye, has advised Nigerians to reflect on the Lenten season and intensify prayers for the leaders.
Omorinoye, who is Pastor-In-Charge of Bible Faith Evangelical Mission Inc., Omu-Aran, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Omu-Aran, Kwara.
He said the prayers of stakeholders to assist the leaders in all sectors of the economy remained critical to the nation’s growth, progress and development.
The 2017 Lenten period annually observed by Christians to offer prayers, fasting and alms-giving, is expected to commence on Ash Wednesday, March 1.
The period of prayer and fasting is 40 days within the season.
Omorinoye, who is also the immediate Past Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Irepodun Local Government Kwara Chapter, said only spiritual devotion through prayers could assist solve the nation’s challenges.
He said the president, including other leaders, were human beings chosen by God to lead.
“They require the support and prayers of the followers to succeed.
He said that all devoted Christians should be well-prepared for the Lenten season, both morally and spiritually, for them to be able to intercede for the leaders and the nation.
“We should try as much as possible to shy away from speaking ill of those at the helm of affairs because they are God’s appointees.
“That the president is on medical vacation should not be over-flogged.
“Anybody can be in the same shoe. What he needs is our prayer since we all agreed to put him there and he won the election.
“So let us keep on praying for him and other leaders so as to be able to steer the ship of the country to the desired promise land.
“This is what should be our major preoccupation, especially during the coming Lenten season,’’ he said.
Omorinoye advised Christians to see politicking as a divine ministry for achieving socio-economic development.
According to him, God is not against Christians being involved in active politics.
“As a matter of fact, politics is a ministry just like a pastor, an engineer, roadside mechanic or taxi driver but the regrettable aspect is that most of us do fail God when we get to our assignments.
“Look at it in the Bible. Joseph was very successful as a prime minister because he put s his God first; even the man called Daniel whom we can say was the first Senate President too.
“The bottom line is that whatever our calling, we should see it as God-ordained, which must be carried out with all honesty and transparency,’’ he said.
Omorinoye commended the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki for ensuring the desired synergy between the executive and the legislative arms and also Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State for his exemplary leadership style. (NAN)