As part of the activities to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Rivers State (1967 – 2017), a 50 days Fasting and Prayer programme was held. To mark the end of these days of intercession, a joint session was held on Saturday, 20th May 2017 at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt. His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Executive Governor of Rivers State and his wife, Her Excellency, Hon Justice Eberechi S. Nyesom-Wike, the deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Dame (Dr.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo led the entire State before God in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving.

Pastor Isaac Olori, International Director, GEWC, delivered the sermon titled: The Potency of Prayer in Entering and Reigning in Your Jubilee (2 Chronicles 7:13, 14). He explained that Jubilee means liberty or release and without God there will be no Jubilee. He was happy that prayer and fasting was part of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebrations because without laying the spiritual foundation through prayers, celebrating Jubilee would have just been a ceremony. Stressing the potency of prayer, he said, God can change His mind and open heaven which had been shut up before when we pray. If our prayers can make God change, then the devil, situations or circumstances are too small for the force of our prayers.

Other highlights include:

1. Prayer releases power from above and handles every situation.
2. Prayer produces much results James 5:16
3. Jesus declared Jubilee to us over 2000 years ago.
4. Your action or inaction will cause or hinder the progress of this State

Conditions for Answered Prayers

1. If My people called by My Name (Corporate Prayers) – We must form a united force even in prayers.  The force of prayer is not in the words you say but on your relationship with God. If you are not converted, you are not one of God’s people (2 Timothy 2:19, Isaiah 59:1, 2)
2. Humility – Prayers that move God are made out of a humble contrite spirit (Luke 18:14, Psalm 34:18, 51:17)
3. Pray – We must pray as a State. Prayer is the greatest force and every sustainable prayer must come from a humble heart.
4. Seek His Face – it implies seeking for divine direction that is, God’s will. God has a design for us as a State and we must seek His face for His will to be done.
5. Turn from your wicked ways – Every sin before God is wicked. True repentance is what will usher us into Jubilee.

Pastor Isaac Olori concluded by saying, “as we have called on God, surely heaven is open unto us because God promised to answer when we call.” He prayed that in every area of the State where we have been subjected to slavery or deprivation, there would be a release.

(Photo Credit: Nki Ru)