Praying for the Nation, for how long?

Greetings everyone!

The world is transforming every day, and as such, humans are changing with it. Many of us have let go of things we used to believe in or lifestyles we once treasured deeply.

For me, one of those lifestyles or beliefs I used to partake in—but no longer fancy—is the act of praying for a country like mine to be better. Are you surprised? Or are you about to tag me as someone who no longer believes in God? Chill.

Back in the days when I was younger, I used to engage fervently in prayers for the nation—asking God to help us fix the country because things were getting worse. I engaged in this act via personal prayer hours and church gatherings.

I remember a particular time I was with a friend, a church friend actually, who I believe is even more committed to the things of God than I am. We were talking about how terrible the end result of the 2020 protest was, and she said her church had called for a prayer meeting to pray for the nation. But she wasn't going to attend because, as she put it, ever since she was born, prayers have always been held for the good of the nation, yet things only seem to get worse.

That’s the absolute truth for a nation like mine. What will help it is not a matter of prayer, but of deliberate action.

Tekno once made a song about this where he asked, How long are we going to pray or do the offerings and tithings for the nation to get better?

https://youtu.be/hQfrUdEpEPU?si=7Vb4ix-CkBnw8JVQ

No doubt, God still answers prayers, and I believe we’ve already been answered. The only thing left is for us to act. And by act, I mean telling ourselves the truth in clear terms and shunning corruption—starting from saying no during elections and allowing those we know are capable to lead, rather than supporting people whose sole interest is to fill their bank accounts through looting; not by voting in people whose aim is to stir up conflict, war, and religious unrest in the land.

Gone are the days when I used to waste my strength, my sleeping hours, and my energy shouting and praying for the government to do better. No, that can’t happen again. The people in government we are praying for are doing the opposite. They are very difficult to change because the system is corrupt—and that’s a physical problem that requires a physical approach, not just prayer.

Yes, we can pray for physical things to improve, but when it comes to governance, no—it can’t be resolved solely on the prayer altar. For God’s sake, these people do not have human hearts in them.

I think I’m running out of words to express my thoughts, so I’ll drop my pen here. Still, I stand firmly on the ground of no more prayers for my country. Let’s act right instead. Let’s fight and push away bad governance through elections and by impeaching those currently in power who are failing us. That’s where a good and fair judicial panel must be adopted to ensure sound judgment.

Thanks for reading.

Photo: MetaAi Video: YouTube