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COVID-19: When men pray

Prayers   New File Photo

Sat, 4 Apr 2020 Source: Adjetey Sowah

The entire world is seriously at a war with one common enemy called Covid-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei China, and has since spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum production, diarrhea, and sore throat are less common. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms.

The virus is typically spread from one person to another via respiratory droplets produced during coughing. It may also be spread from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's face.

This particular disease has not yet a cure. Doctors and scientists are wrapping their heads around the disease to find a vaccine that can cure the disease for the past five (5) months, but to no avail. If for the past five months indeed doctors and scientists have tried all that they could to find a solution to this deadly disease and had proved futile, is it time to turn to the creator to intervene on our behalf? After all, prayer permeates and pervades every religion no matter how diverse the religions of the world may be, one common ritual and practice that they all embrace is prayer. Prayer is religion’s neutralizer, and so it will not be out of place if every man everywhere resorts to prayer to give the Creator freedom to intervene in the earth’s affairs in this difficult times. In addition, the good book says “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21). So, turning to God in this hard time I believe will be the right decision ever made in the life man. Once again, the scripture says, “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26 (KJV).

I have come across and read number of communique from a number of churches calling on their members to fast and pray for God to heal our land and to save Ghana from this global pandemic in this trying time. And so I believe this is in the right direction. For instance, Archbishop Duncan Williams of Action Chapel International has declared a 30 day fasting and prayers, Prophet Opoku Sarkodie World Prayer Centre has also declared a 10 day prayer and fasting, Apostle Geroge Yeboah, Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church has proclaimed three days prayers and fasting for all members on behalf of Ghana to combat COVID19, same can be said about the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

These great men of God I believe, believed the scriptures below for which reason they are calling on their members to join in hands to pray for our nation-Ghana.

“I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1Timoty 2:8 (KJV).

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt. 17:21. (KJV) “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps. 50:15 (KJV) etc.

Below is a sample of the communique issued by one of the churches directing its members to fast and pray in this challenging period. CALL TO URGENT PRAYER AND FASTING

At the direction of the Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International, 3 Days Fasting and Prayers has been determined for all Church members and leaders. This is slated for Wednesday, April 1, - Friday, April 3, 2020. The fasting period is prescribed to begin from morning to at least midday.

We are praying for the release of the mercy of God to counter the COVID-19 menace. We respectfully encourage all ministers to forward this message to our members. Please take notice that our Head office is closed as a result of the LOCKDOWN in Accra by the government.

SIGNED

APOSTLE SAMUEL AMPONSAH-FRIMPONG

(General Secretary-CAC)

This should be observed by every member at home on the above-scheduled date. “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” Max Lucado. Certainly our prayers will make a difference and will work for us. They say “if there is a man to pray then there is a God to answer.” So let us get to work and pray.

Columnist: Adjetey Sowah