It should be noted that in Jos we are coming face to face in confrontation with Satan and the powers of hell, and only God can save us. There are, however, many Muslims who totally disagree with violence as a means of settling issues, and of course it is not in accordance with the gospel to use violence to settle issues either. What seems to be a recurring decimal is that over time, those who have in the past used violence to settle political issues, economic issues, social matters, intertribal disagreements, or any issue for that matter, now continue to use that same path of violence and cover it up with religion. We must pray against the powers of hell. We must also pray for our state government, our Houses of Assembly at state and federal levels and our law enforcement agents, that they may choose the path of truth and justice, and deal with crime by its proper name, so that no-one, no matter how high or low, no matter of what faith or creed, should be exempt from facing the law.

The national leadership should be lifted up to God, that they may rise beyond a concern for political success and seek to do good and right in all things for the benefit of all people. This is a most urgent prayer request, because Nigeria as a nation has a large and ever-increasing army of leaderless, lawless, unemployable, unemployed, demoralized, and near hopeless youth. This, to my prophetic mind, is the big security issue which the governments at local, state and federal levels are not taking seriously. For example, every crisis in Nigeria in the last ten years has been executed by this generation of young people. With each passing year, they perfect their skills, and when they run out of a supply of money—or when they become bored with any situation—then any opportunity for action gives them satisfaction. This army has no religion, but can choose to go under the name of religion to achieve its motives. They are uneducated, and so their values are totally different, as are their ways of handling weapons or choosing how issues are settled. Please pray for us.

Read the whole thing.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of Nigeria • * Culture-Watch • Violence • * International News & Commentary • Africa • Nigeria • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Faiths • Islam • Muslim-Christian relations

1. Pageantmaster [KJS to Coventry] wrote: Prayers for AB Ben Kwashi, his family and diocese, and for the people of Jos. January 28, 10:38 am | [comment link]

2. Athanasius Returns wrote: Prayers ascending… Kyrie eleison! Christe eleison! Kyrie eleison! January 28, 11:10 am | [comment link]

3. New Reformation Advocate wrote: Does anyone have a link to the media coverage of the violent incident behind this story? And while we’re praying for our harrassed and persecuted Anglican brothers and sisters in northern Nigeria (Jos), let’s also remember those in southern Nigeria as well, especially kidnapped archbishop Peter Imasuen of the Benin Diocese (Edo State), adducted on Sunday and being held for a very large ransom. David Handy+ January 28, 1:55 pm | [comment link]

4. Albany+ wrote: ” God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9 We pray in sure hope of God’s faithfulness for our brothers and sisters in this time of trial. January 28, 10:52 pm | [comment link]

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