Hardship: PFN Declares 40-day Prayer, Fasting

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to join a 40-day prayer and fasting to address the hardship facing the country and to seek divine intervention for relief and prosperity.

The President of the PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke and Deputy President, Archbishop John Daniel, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where they disclosed that the programme will begin on January 6, 2025, and end with a national prayer gathering in Abuja on February 14, 2025.

Oke also noted that the prayers will precede the PFN’s 18th Biennial Conference, scheduled to be held in Abuja from February 10 to 14, 2025 with the theme “The Rebirth of a Great Nation: Nigeria is Great”, adding that the PFN was mobilising pentecostal churches, Christians, and willing Nigerians to participate in prayers for the nation’s revival.

According to him, the conference will also feature prominent Nigerians addressing national issues and offering guidance on collective solutions to the country’s challenges.

Oke also stated that the challenges of the country were a collective responsibility of both the leaders and its citizens, noting that through commitment and togetherness, Nigeria could come out of the current hardship.

“In the Bible, when judgment was pronounced on Nineveh, the king and the people cried out for mercy, and God heard their prayers. We believe that the same God who delivered Nineveh is alive today and will hear our cry. This period of prayer and fasting is a key aspect of our biennial conference. We believe God will answer our prayers.

“Nigeria’s challenges are our collective responsibility—not just that of the leaders, but also the citizens. Together, through cooperation and commitment, we can bring Nigeria out of hardship. Our part is to pray, educate, and support efforts at every level”, he said.

Addressing the current situation in the country, the PFN president described it as “a painful process, like a mother about to deliver. But we believe that a new Nigeria will emerge.”

Also speaking, Deputy President, Daniel, said the PFN remained committed to Nigeria’s peace and progress, expressing optimism that Nigeria was on the path to greatness.

“No matter the challenges, Nigeria is on the brink of achieving greatness. We foresee a future where Nigeria becomes a model for the world. We believe that through prayer and fasting, God will heal our land.

“The Bible says that the prayer of faith can save the sick. Nigeria, like a sick nation, will be saved, and a future of prosperity, economic strength, and peace will follow. Kidnapping, banditry, and bloodshed will be in the past, and Nigeria will fulfil its destiny as a great nation,” he said.