By JOY MBACHI

No fewer than 3,000 Anglican faithful gathered in a prayer convention to pray for the restoration of Nigerian socioeconomic growth and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention was the annual prayer convention of Anglican Diocese of Awka.

Declaring the prayer convention open in Awka on Saturday, the Archbishop of Anglican Archdiocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, said that with fervent prayers Nigeria lost glory would be recovered for the citizens to enjoy a robust economy.

Ibezim, who is the convener, urged the faithful never to relent in praying and presenting their needs before the Almighty God because with Him nothing is impossible as well as having positive attitude towards their daily activities.

The archbishop advised the faithful to always pray for their leaders either political, community or religious leaders for divine directions and progress instead of dwelling in criticism of government policies.

In his homily, titled: ?Total Restoration?, the guest preacher, Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Jailogo, Rt. Rev. Bedison Foreman, said that prayer is key to great hope and restoration of lost economic and social glory.

The bishop said that one can define restoration ?as a return or regain of that which was misused or destroyed, through unlawful and unpatriotic attitudes or activities that may have rob the society individual of its wealth.?

He assured the faithful that positive attitude change towards public and private living would enhance restoration in all facet of life.

Foremen disclosed that there are four levels of restoration, namely: singular, double, seven fold and total restoration.

The bishop said that in all levels of restorations that ?the secret of true restoration is prayer and true repentance?, adding that ?faithful must be strong in the place of prayer.?

The Priest In-charge of the Church of the Pentecost, Awka, Ven. Prince Oranye, encouraged the faithful to support evangelism in order to sustain their spiritual base.

Dr Chioma Ibezim, President of the Mother?s Union and wife of the Archbishop, said that women should be more prayerful as the society is negatively changing.

Mrs Ibezim called on mothers to always pray and stand on the gap for the Church, their families and the society at large because ?God answers prayers of women.?

Mrs Chioma Okeke, a participant at the prayer convention, said that she looked forward to the yearly prayer convention ?as it helps in building her spiritual base and bringing her peace of mind.?

NAN reports that the 2025 Diocesan Lenten prayer convention featured testimonies, praise worship and thanksgiving. (NAN)

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