Some Christians in Lagos on Wednesday prayed for a better Nigeria as they celebrated Ash Wednesday to mark the commencement of the 40-day Lenten season.
A News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent, who monitored Ash Wednesday church services in Lagos State, reports that many Christians from Catholic and Anglican denominations turned out for the event in their various churches.
In interviews by NAN, some of them said that they prayed fervently for a better Nigeria.
Mr Onyema Onyekakeya, Chairman, Justice Development and Peace Commission, Satellite Deanery, Lagos State, said that such prayers had helped to preserve the country.
Onyekakeya described prayer as a strong spiritual instrument of positive change.
He urged Nigerians not to relent in praying for the country.
“In various churches today, supplications were rendered to God to uplift the country,” he said.
According to him, Lenten season is a period of sober reflection and seeking of divine grace.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, Director, Social Communications, Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, said that praying for Nigeria had been his personal attitude and a culture of the Church.
“The church will continue to offer prayers for the country with a view to making it peaceful and stable to encourage development,” he said.
Mrs Lovelyn Ndukauba, President, Catholic Women Organisation of Saint Charles Church, Olodi Apapa, said that members of the organisation dedicated the Lenten period for prayers for Nigeria.
“In times of crisis, the women are worse hit. Therefore, our prayer is for peace and harmony, economic growth and security of lives and property,” she said.
The Lenten season is characterised by prayers, fasting, repentance and alms giving.
During the Ash Wednesday church services, clergymen put ashes on the foreheads of members of their congregations.
