The 3rd National Prayer Conference was held from 29th June to 2nd July 2017. People from all over the Nigeria gathered to pray in line with the theme "Till the Lord look down from heaven". The program featured workshops, midnight cries, prayer sessions, interactive meetings, bible studies and communion.
A keynote address titled, "Lord teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1) was presented by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori, ably represented by Pastor Ibim Alabrabra (Superintended State Minister, Rivers State). He admonished the conference in this address, buttressing the need for prayer in today's church and the motivation to pray. He showed how the disciple's need to know how to pray from the master (Jesus), can be likened to our ineffectiveness in the place of prayer and how the awareness of this fact is the beginning of revival. He further stated that only those that yearn to pray, can be motivated and led by the Holy Spirit to pray. He showed the importance of the Holy Spirit in the prayer lives of every believer (Roman 8:26, 27) as He is the one who gives direction to our prayers. In addition, as many that came for the program, should put away their "prayer warrior" mentality and their garments of men and women, and truly thirst for God in other to fully benefit from the conference. In conclusion he said that the ministry, Greater Evangelism World Crusade, needs prayer as she is at a critical time in the fulfillment of her vision.
An address was presented by GEWC Prayer circle leader, Evang. (Mrs.) Gloria A. Nwokocha were she reminded those in attendance of the keynote address of our founding father (Apostle G. D. Numbere) during the 2nd International Prayer Circle Conference held from 5th September to 8th September 2013. In that address, he stated the three pillars of the preparation for greater signs and wonders, which are: Faith, Prayer, and Fasting. Prayer is indeed required for greater signs and wonders. Expounding on the theme of the conference (Lamentations 3:49-50), she explained that it suggests the place of perseverance, persistence and agonizing in prayer. This means giving God no rest until He brings to fulfillment the vision of the ministry.
The President of the Women's Fellowship International, Pastor (Dr.) Mrs. N. Numbere spoke on "Agonizing in Prayer" (Romans 8:26-27). She emphasized on the welcome address of the head of the Prayer Circle that, prayer is to the spirit, what oxygen is to the body. It therefore suggests that the prayer unit is the life-wire of the vision of the Ministry. Without prayer, no evangelism, prayer keeps the gospel train going on. Also that praying is not a loud gift but a closet gift, meaning personal lives have to reflect what is done in the closet. She defined prayer as an address to God, a communication with God. Speaking further she expounded on the meaning of corporate prayer, considering that's what the Prayer Circle does. Corporate prayer is prayer on behalf of everybody, not just those in the prayer circle. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to make intercessions for us because we do not know what to say. It is the Holy Spirit that translates our desires to Christ and He in turn tells the Father, God. This is because the Holy Spirit does the groaning which is the agonizing in prayer.
Other excepts of her talk can be found below:
Agonize means to struggle, to strive, to wrestle, a fight to contend with an adversary with the aim to have victory. There is no agonizing without pain.
Reasons why we should agonize in prayer includes:
- It is God's command (Isaiah 62:1-2, 6-7). God commands that He should be “troubled” till His will is fulfilled.
We are already in a contest against the devil (Ephesians 6:12). Nigeria needs the prayer of the saints so as to establish God's word.
We cannot win the conflict except we engage in the contest. Victories cannot manifest in the physical except you have finished the work in the spiritual. When we agonize in prayer, we see the manifestation.
We have to contend with our flesh, the old man. (Colossians 3:5)
We have to pray in order for God's will to be done on earth.
Agonizing in prayer ignites fire in the heavenly places as it happened in Daniel.
Agonizing in prayer keeps us spiritually alert.
Prayer must be with a target because target leads to burden. Without a burden, one cannot agonize. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to give burden and aid us in prayer. Someone who wants a prevailing prayer life must stay away from sin and be obedient to God.
Examples of those who prayed until something happened include: Jesus, Elijah, Paul etc.
The Prayer conference, ended with a communion thanksgiving service and the return of participants to their various destinations. We have a God who hears us when we pray and we know He has heard the prayers made by His people during this conference.
