Primate Okoh, left and other Anglican Church leaders

As the 4th session of the Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) organised on Monday in Abuja, the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Revd, Nicholas Okoh, has charged Christians to be steadfast in prayer and security conscious.

At the opening service of the conference being held at the National Christian Centre, Okoh said that the five-day event would focus on praying for security, safety love and peace in the country.

He said that this approach was imperative in view of the challeges confronting the nation, as reflected in the theme of the conference which is “In Times Like These” taken from Esther Chapter 4:13-14.

He said that the conference afforded Anglican faithful from the 167 dioceses of the Church participating in the conference as well as other invited Christians “great priviledge” to pray for the country.

He said the perilous times in which we are living characterised by terrorism, kidnappings, persecution of Christians, among other evil acts, should not be a surprise to anyone as the scriptures had forewarned that such a time would come.

“In the north eastern part of the country, peace has become a commodity that they used to know but which no longer exists.

“Christians in this area are denied their rights of worship; we used to hear of people burying animals but nowadays we hear of people burying people alive.

“In times like these, what should the faithful do? we need Christians who are able to make sacrifices to God; Christians with the hearts of Esther and Mordecai are needed in times like these.

“ The world needs Christians who are selfless, with unity of purpose and all Christians must learn to endure hardship.”

He said it was disheartening that Christians of today were unable to seek the face of God like the Jews of those days with fasting and prayers.

He, therefore, charged all Christians to arise with steadfast faith and endure hardship without complaining.

“ Times like these, we should be prayerful because it is indispensable; pray with supplication without ceasing

“ We should be righteous, full of good thoughts, deeds and do all things without murmuring”, adding that Christians should also be spiritually sensitive about the times.

“No matter the burden of the challenges of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, sabotage, false accusations denial of rights, etc that characterise our society, our coming together to glorify the name of the Lord, share in the word of God, pray fervantly together and renew our lives in God will overwhelm us with God’s blessings,” the primate said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 6,500 Christian faithful are participating in the conference which will feature Bible Study, prayer and praise worship sessions and lectures on various topics, among other activities

The objective of the conference is to enable Christians to have a deeper understanding of the word of God and build up their faith in God.