Nigerian Christians long for Christ’s return amid a chaotic world. The country’s population of 200 million experiences rampant corruption, police brutality, regular kidnappings, and little trust between citizens. The land can seem God-forsaken.
The nation is divided in many ways, but the sharpest is between the north and the south. In the majority-Muslim north, Christians face heavy persecution and pressure. In the south, Christians are awash in an aberrant prosperity gospel that does not, cannot, and will not save.
Yet Nigeria is not beyond God’s reach, nor is it out of God’s sight. He is at work in the nation. In the last few decades especially, a small burgeoning of healthy churches is happening in places like Abuja (the capital) and Lagos (the most populous city). Churches are reporting growing numbers of believers and baptisms, as well as Christians coming out of prosperity gospel congregations to the true light of the gospel of grace.
Ways to pray:
Praise for the growth of churches, particularly in Abuja and Lagos
For the persecuted Christians in the north, that the Lord might strengthen the church and hinder the advances of Muslim aggressors
For reformation in the church, particularly in the south—that true believers might leave churches preaching false doctrines, that wolves would stop spreading lies, and that more ministries and resources might become available
“Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’” Matthew 16:16–18
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