A Prayer For Nigerian Families

As many of us know, the family is the foundation unit of every society. The family is our first port of call and our first ministry. Family members are the only people who will always be with us, those with whom we will spend the rest of our lives. For that reason, the family must strive to stay together in every situation and in every circumstance. And praying for our families is one way to achieve this goal. As the saying goes, “a family that prays together stays together.” Praying with or for our family members strengthens our bonds with them. It teaches us to depend on God, not on our fellow men, for all our needs. It also teaches us to seek the will of God at all times and in every circumstance of life we find ourselves. And so, today, I want us to pray for all Nigerian families scattered in Africa, Europe, in the Far East, in China, in Japan, in Asia, in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Lift up your hearts.

Let us remember that we are in the presence of God.

O Lord our heavenly father! We do not presume to come into your presence by our own righteousness. We only trust in the power of your son Jesus Christ who assured us that no one can come to you, Holy Father, except through Him.

Lord, please forgive us all that we have done wrong today and in the past. We are truly sorry and pray that you restore the right spirit in us. And Lord, as we bow our heads before your heavenly throne and worship you this morning, we bring our supplications onto your divine grace.

We are very grateful for the good times we have continued to spend with our families. We thank you for allowing us to savor and enjoy one another’s company. We thank you for giving us time each day to spend with them.

Today, we want to remember all family members of the people of Nigeria scattered in whatever state they are in Nigeria, in other African countries, in Europe, in the Far East countries, in China, in Japan, in Asia, in Great Britain, United States of America and wherever else they reside.

You know the anxious moments we all have had to spend over the years trying to help build up a virile country that would show light and not darkness to Africa and the world. It has not been easy in the face of the few greedy tyrants and social manipulators who are determined to cause panic and fear among the people, forcing them to find safety in the dismembering of the country.

But we are trusting in you. We are trusting in you to help our people, the people of Nigeria in any way they might need assistance. Strengthen them and guide their footpath, Lord, as they get along with their daily businesses and the challenges they face in their everyday life, especially from bandits and kidnappers, ritualists and all the other bad people an unjust and corrupt system inadvertently bred over the years.

Be their shield and always preserve the bond they share among themselves as family. May all their efforts at the restoration of their country as a shining light among the peoples of the world never be in vain and may they live to testify to the love of their heavenly father in their lives.

Guard their homes wherever they are situated, O God, that no harm befall them. Their homes shall continue to be a sanctuary of blessing, comfort and love for each one them. Continue to protect each and every one of them, Lord, as they rest at night, that no intruders may disturb the bliss of their sleep and that no calamity will befall their ancestral homes.

We trust in your mighty power to keep every single family of every single Nigerian safe from any form of evil. And dear God, as we continue to commit our children and young adults into your care, we also commit into your hands the Head of State of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari and his team. We pray that you enter into the mind of the President and guide him right. Give him to understand your will for the people of Nigeria and use him as your instrument to achieve that will, in Jesus’ mighty name.

Heavenly father, we know you are our Healer, our great physician. Lord, continue to be the comfort of members of every Nigerian family who are in pain right now. Touch them with your healing hands and send forth your Word and heal their diseases. Let your healing power flow though every cell of their bodies, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Loving father, we also ask that you heal members of Nigerian families who are hurt emotionally. Their affliction is not physical but we know that they are also in pain. Give them your comfort as well. Give them the peace that transcends human understanding. Please, father, heal their hearts which may be full of anger, hatred, strife, bitterness, doubt, mistrust and unforgiveness. Clear their minds of any doubts, anxiety or any depression and as you lead their leaders to the destination of their country, renew a peaceful spirit in them, O God!

Father, we also pray that you help us restore any bonds that have been broken among some members of Nigerian families across the globe. We know, God, that there is nothing you want more than quarrelling relatives to reconcile with each other. But we also acknowledge, heavenly father, that we cannot do this on our own. For that reason, we ask your Holy Spirit to surround us with your love. Fill our lives to the brim with overflowing love we can share with our families. Make us instruments of your blessing.

Father God, we come before you today, to ask for your additional protection over our families. Let no trouble come over them this week and in weeks to come. Keep them away from accidents and from the wicked thoughts of bandits and kidnappers. Do not allow any form of evil to influence their hearts. Cover them with the precious blood of Jesus. Take charge over them and shine your light on their path in everywhere they go from their homes and back to their homes.

Heavenly father, you are our ultimate source of strength. When we are weak, you are strong to carry us along. You lift us up when we are down. You renew our strength and we soar on wings like the eagle. Thank you, father, for raising us up whenever we are down.

In our times of troubles and trials, God, we look up to you. Life can present us with many challenges that we are unable to face on our own. But with you, Father, we believe that nothing is impossible because you can do all things. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the be all and end all. And we believe that you will grant us the perseverance to overcome any obstacle on our way. You are our strength when we are weak, God, and we are always grateful when you manifest your power in our lives. Manifest your power in our lives now, O Lord and save Nigeria from self destruction.

This we pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.

AMEN.