By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Spiritual Father and Chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Prophet Samuel Adefila Abidoye, has stressed the need for Christians to use the Lenten period to deepen their relationship, faith and intimacy with God, urging them to continue to be fervent in their prayers for peace to reign in Nigeria and the World at large.
Prophet Abidoye, who gave the admonition on Wednesday while addressing the Congregation at the Church Headquarters, Galilee Land, Orile Igbon at a special service to mark Ash Wednesday, described Lenten season as a time to work and partner with God as well as a time when God Almighty is closer to the world.
He said: “It is a time to give something to your God and to sacrifice for your Creator. A time to deepen our friendship and intimacy with God. Remember that lent is not only abstaining from food and drinks, but also doing things that will please God”, urging Christians to work diligently this Lenten period.
Prophet Abidoye added: “Lent is a period for us to abstain from food and drink for a whole day. If you cannot make a whole day, you can do half, you can even do it partly. However, if you are pregnant, sick or you have any ailment, it is advisable for you not to fast, but to only be prayerful at this period.
“It is in God that true life and living exists, It is in Him that we find true peace and love. As followers of Christ, we must make this Lenten season to be closer to our God who is kind and merciful, who seeks to ensure that every lost sheep makes it home safely.
“Let us make the Holy Bible our friend this Lenten period, read your Bible day and night, especially all the books from Acts of Apostle to Revelation, they are very good scriptures and very inspiring words. Let us pray at all times, the more you pray, the more you are closer to God, give to the needy at this period, share what you have with others, be ready to give gifts.”
He prayed that all devotees go through this period with happiness and joy, without losing anyone in this period.
Speaking on the general elections, Prophet Abidoye admonished that: “As we go into the general elections, let us tell God that we need His presence in our country, we want Him to empower us in Nigeria. There shall be peace during the elections. As we go to vote in the next few days, I urge you all to pray for wisdom for voters, for a safe and fair exercise. Ask the Lord to remove those who might unjustly and illegally change the outcome of the elections. The will of God should prevail.”
He urged Nigerians, especially the youths not to engage in thuggery during the period of exercising their franchise, adding: “Go to the polling booth, do what you must do as a citizen, God will give us the men and women after His heart in Jesus Christ Name.”