Christians have been urged to pray for national security, imbibe the humble nature of Jesus Christ and emulate His example during the period of Lent.
They also advised them to follow Christ’s lifestyle of purity, sacrifice, selfless service and act of forgiveness to humanity, and also abstain from sin, intensify prayers, fast and give alms during the period.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that these were the admonition of many religious leaders on Wednesday across the country during church services to commemorate the Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar which marks the beginning of Lent, a season of 40 days fasting and prayer.
It includes wearing of ashes on the head, which symbolises that “we are dust, and to dust we shall return.”
Ash Wednesday is however, mostly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.
By observing Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
NAN also reports that a cross section of Nigerians interviewed said that this year’s Lent aptly presented an ample opportunity for Christians to pray for Nigeria.
They also said it was an occasion to solicit God’s intervention in efforts to calm the current challenges facing the country.
Most Rev. Emmannuel Badejo, Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, called on government at all levels, traditional, religious leaders and all stakeholders to speak against incessant killings in Nigeria.
Badejo who made the call in an interview in Ibadan expressed dissatisfaction over the killing of innocent citizens, kidnappings, activities of Boko Haram, herdsmen and other social vices.
The cleric urged those in authority, Christian and Muslim leaders alike to do their best to forestall the vices and restore peace in the country.
“Catholics all over Nigeria today express their sorrow and disillusionment over the souls that had been killed in the country,” he said.
Badejo advised the state and Federal Governments to do their best to provide adequate security for the lives and property of the people and prosecute those who engaged in the social vices in the country.
“On Ash Wednesday, by the sign of the ashes we receive our penance, prayer and generosity to others, and then we try to return all glory to God who gave us life.
“We are all dust and unto dust we shall all return no matter who we may be, this is true of all irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Rev. Fr. John Akhidue, Associate Parish Priest, Catholic Church of the Annunciation, Festac, Lagos, urged Nigerians to use the lent period to pray for the unity of the country.
Akhidue gave the advice while speaking in Lagos on the importance of lent to the Christians.
He also advised Christians to use the period to beg for forgiveness from God.
He said repentance was about acknowledging sinful acts, adding that God was ready to forgive everyone “if we ask Him.”
“We begin the penance season with Ash Wednesday by putting ashes on our forehead to tell the world we are sharing in the period of repentance.
“When we repent, we are telling the people that we acknowledge our sinfulness and God who is merciful and loving will forgive us.
“Most especially, we need prayers for what we are experiencing in Nigeria and after asking for forgiveness from God, you follow it up with prayer,” he said.
