LET US PRAY
It is a popular slogan. It could be said in several situations.
Just before eating food.
Just before embarking on a major project.
Even in some offices, some team leaders insist that prayers be said before the team members deliberate on any matter.
Before major ceremonies like wedding receptions, naming ceremonies and other events.
There are so many examples.
The slogan, let us pray makes people don on a religious air. Eyes closed. Heads bowed, caps removed. Scarves tied.
Then it is time to pray.
I believe in the power of prayers.
And why should I not?
I remember after I had a surgical operation years ago. The operation was successful but suddenly, I started jerking on the bed. Everyone started panicking. There was a drug that was needed to stabilise me. Trust the staff of the ‘wonderful hospital’ that I was placed in. They did not include it on the list of drugs given to my people to buy for me. My brother had to rush out to buy it. As everyone panicked around me, my parents held hands and prayed.
And the hand of God moved.
My brother arrived on time for the drug to be administered.
I was wheeled into the ward and placed on oxygen but I survived.
Of all the women who were placed on oxygen in that ward.
I, alone survived.
So of course, I believe in prayers.
But today, there are new kinds of prayers.
A man sneaks into the bed of adultery. And the morning (or is it mourning?) after, his girlfriend prays with him for a safe journey as he goes home. Then she asks him, ‘When can I see you again?’ He replies, ‘On Monday, by the grace of God.’
A lady prays as she is about to have an abortion.
A group of armed robbers pray as they are about to go for a robbery operation.
A student prays ‘not to be caught’ as he is about to bring out ‘chukuli’ to cheat during examinations.
A business executive prays for a ‘divine idea’ as he tries to commit fraud in the office.
A lady visits a pastor and tells him she needs deliverance.
‘Deliverance from what?’ he innocently asks her.
‘If I don’t get this deliverance, the name of the Lord will be dragged in the mud. I am the leader of the choir in my church and so many people look up to me.’
‘What type of deliverance do you need?’
‘I am pregnant. I want you to pray and cast out the baby.’
The pastor had to be told to close his mouth which he had opened in shock.
It sounds bizarre but that is what many people have turned prayer into.
Prayer simply defined means talking to God. Now if you have a father that is very principled, you know there are some issues you cannot DARE to discuss with him. So how can we dare to ask God who is the epitome of holiness to sanction sin in the name of prayer?
The next time someone tells you, LET US PRAY, be sure what the prayer is about before you say amen.
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