By Joy Mbachi

No fewer than 3,000 Anglican faithful gathered in a prayer convention to pray for the restoration of Nigerian socioeconomic growth and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention was the annual prayer convention of Anglican Diocese of Awka.

Declaring the prayer convention open in Awka, the Archbishop of Anglican Archdiocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, said that with fervent prayers Nigeria’s lost glory would be recovered for the citizens to enjoy a robust economy.

Ibezim, who is the convener, urged the faithful never to relent in praying and presenting their needs before the Almighty God because with Him nothing is impossible as well as having positive attitude towards their daily activities.

The archbishop advised the faithful to always pray for their leaders either political, community or religious leaders for divine directions and progress instead of dwelling on criticism of government policies.

In his homily titled: “Total Restoration”, the guest preacher, Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Jalingo, Rt. Rev. Nedison Foreman, said that prayer is key to great hope and restoration of lost economic and social glory.

The bishop said that one can define restoration “as a return or regain of that which was misused or destroyed, through unlawful and unpatriotic attitudes or activities that may have robbed the society or individual of its wealth.”

He assured the faithful that positive attitude change towards public and private living would enhance restoration in all facets of life.

Foreman disclosed that there are four levels of restoration, namely: singular, double, seven-fold and total restoration.

The bishop said that in all levels of restorations that “the secret of true restoration is prayer and true repentance”, adding that “faithful must be strong in the place of prayer.”

The Priest in-charge of the Church of the Pentecost, Awka, Ven. Prince Oranye, encouraged the faithful to support evangelism in order to sustain their spiritual base.

Dr Chioma Ibezim, President of the Mother’s Union and wife of the Archbishop, urged women to be more prayerful to cope with the negative trends in society.

Mrs Ibezim called on mothers to always pray and stand in the gap for the Church, their families and the society at large because “God answers prayers of women.”

Mrs Chioma Okeke, a participant at the prayer convention, said that she looked forward to the yearly prayer convention “as it helps in building her spiritual base and bringing her peace of mind.”

NAN reports that the 2025 Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention featured testimonies, praise worship and thanksgiving. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)