On Monday, November 11, 2024, you made a thought-provoking statement on the Super Morning Show on Joy 99.7 FM with co-host Raymond Acquah, suggesting that Ghana’s constant prayers do not yield meaningful results, given our persistent challenges. This view followed the latest Mo Ibrahim Foundation report, which pointed out that no African leader has won its prestigious award in the past seven years.
It is true that Africa, including Ghana, faces complex issues—self-centered leadership, divisive partisan politics, and an increasing gap between the rich and the poor. These problems are undeniably pressing, and any concerned citizen would ask why we, despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, still struggle with poverty and underdevelopment. It is indeed frustrating to watch our leaders negotiate deals that benefit other nations more than our own people.
However, to claim that prayer does not produce results is, in my view, antithetical to biblical teachings and the rich history of faith’s impact on nations. Let’s explore what Scripture reveals about the role of prayer and why it remains powerful and necessary for national development.
In ancient Israel, leaders such as Moses and Elijah were not only men of action but also of profound prayer. Moses, for example, interceded for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, and God provided water, food, and guidance (Exodus 16, 17). Similarly, Elijah prayed, and God withheld rain for three and a half years, and then sent rain again at his request (James 5:17-18). These prayers were not in vain; they brought tangible change because they were made in alignment with God’s will.
As Christians today, prayer is our means of aligning with God’s purposes, seeking His peace and prosperity for our land (Jeremiah 29:7). While results may not always be immediate, in prayer, we surrender our will to God’s timing and wisdom, just as Jesus did in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). The Israelites, for instance, prayed for deliverance from Egypt, and it came at God’s appointed time.
Kojo, we must remember that spiritual matters require spiritual understanding. The Bible teaches that “the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Prayer is a spiritual weapon, vital for overcoming challenges both visible and invisible. To dismiss its power is to ignore its divine role in sustaining and guiding those who seek God earnestly.
Moreover, there are modern examples of individuals whose lives demonstrate that prayer and faith can fuel success and impact lives. Figures like Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Dr. Victor Banisi, Strive Masiyiwa, and Cosmas Maduka embody the synergy of prayer and practical action. They have shown that God answers prayer and blesses efforts aligned with His will, producing results that bless not only individuals but communities.
Your argument that non-Christian nations thrive while some Christian-majority countries struggle does not negate the power of prayer. The Bible affirms that God is gracious to all, allowing the rain to fall on both the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). But Christians understand that prayer, combined with diligent work, is a means to invite God’s blessing into every sphere of life. Indeed, James tells us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Imagine if, as a nation, we prayed and took practical, godly steps—how transformative that would be!
True national transformation requires a foundation that includes God. Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful king, was humbled until he recognized God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:34-37). Similarly, as a nation, we need prayer to anchor our vision and actions, making God’s wisdom the core of our journey.
In conclusion, prayer is essential if we aim to build a nation under God’s favor. It fuels us to act, live godly lives, and seek His mercy and grace in times of need. I hope this letter sheds light on the vital place of prayer in our national life.
Yours truly,
Eric Otchere
Avid blogger at www.livingourbible.com and can be reached at otchereeric@gmail.com.
