By Olivia Obijiaku
Faithful of the Catholic diocese of Zaria have been tasked to offer sincere prayers to God. Giving the task, the Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh observed that some people are in the habit of making public show of their prayers and other spiritual activities. He reminded them of Jesus’ instruction to pray in secret, so that His Father who sees in secret will reward them accordingly.
The bishop explained that the instruction does not forbid one from praying outside their rooms, but, that it is intended to discourage people from praying for wrong reasons, such as praying to be seen by people. He also implored them rob their acts of charity on their family members, rather than become the very opposite of what they exhibit outside their homes.
His words, “Prayer connects us to God and Jesus says, Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who sees in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. This is not to say that we should not pray outside the room. No. it means that we should not pray in order to attract attention; in order to make people know that we are praying.”
“It is like some of us. When they go out, they are seen, they pray, they invoke, they cast, they bind and lose. So, when people see you casting and binding and destroying, do you cast and bind when you go back to your house? Some husbands are generous and kind outside, but do they give when they come back home? Some people terrorize their wives and children at home, but they are seen as the best when they go out.”
“So, my brothers and sisters, sincerity is everything. God sees our intentions. He sees the deepest part of our hearts and the reward He gives is not applause. He gives us grace, not adulation. He does not give us temporary praise but He transforms and gives us eternal life. Religion is not a thing of the mouth.”
