In an age where technology allows us to gauge the mood of people across the globe, modern man is equipped with tools to survey the world and measure the heartbeat of nations. Television, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, X (formerly Twitter), Google, Wikipedia, websites, WhatsApp, SMS, radio, and television—the so-called idiot box—have become addictive due to their visual power and immediacy. These constitute social media and electronic media, leading The Economist to declare years ago that the globe is wired. Nothing can be hidden. Print media also plays a role, with quality newspapers like The New York Times and The Times of London, which claims to speak for Britain. The Times of India, the largest English-language daily, is also a notable publication. The world today is bombarded with information from countless news channels and platforms. With discernment, one can read the state of the world and the direction humanity is headed: toward Armageddon, whose dark rays loom on the horizon. Concerned people hold their breath, worsened by the stalemate in Islamabad talks aimed at turning truce into lasting peace in the Middle East. The combined forces of the United States and Israel are at war with Iran, seeking to obliterate it or bring it to its knees, particularly targeting its nuclear capability. U.S. President Donald Trump struts arrogantly, as if he created all nations and can destroy them at will, convinced of American invincibility. Analysts note that ground troops cannot invade Iran due to its mountainous terrain, and even air attacks face surprising resistance, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Many worldwide have turned to supplications to soften the hearts of warmongers.
The Role of Prayer in Times of Crisis
Since time immemorial, humans have recognized invisible powers, gods, and goddesses, and after contact with prophets and teachers, have come to believe in the All-Highest God. In times of affliction, perplexity, hopelessness, war, pestilence, plague, famine, storms, or floods, individuals, groups, or nations turn their gaze to the Throne of Grace. They kneel in contrite spirits, seeking intervention. Yet often, lamentation arises that prayers go unanswered. The perilous period lengthens, panic sets in, patience runs out, and people seek other ways. What is the secret of prayers? Churches and mosques are full. Is character or purity of heart required for prayers to be answered? Veteran journalist Louis Odion, in his tribute to Mrs. Jadesola Ibidapo, who died in 2022 at age 90, quoted her philosophy: “There is no stone that patience cannot cook into an edible.” Perhaps patience is the issue, though many claim character and purity. All attributes are demanded, including humility. As man reaches his wits' end, are there other circumstances for prayers to be answered?
Insights from Spiritual Teachings
Abd-ru-shin, in In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message, writes: “I wish to fill the gaps which have so far always remained unanswered in the souls of men.” On prayer, he explains: “God is omnipotent! ... Men indeed have the word, but not the understanding of it! ... God is Life! He alone! ... The man who in a really fervent prayer seeks help obtains connection with that sphere from which help can be proffered. Do not think of prayers as pleading, but as worship and veneration! ... Through prayer or earnest seeking you find a path connecting you with God ... Omnipresence might be interpreted as ‘always present,’ always to be found if one seeks! ... The best foundation for a prayer lies in moments of spontaneous thankfulness arising from great happiness or deepest pain. ... Not every prayer penetrates to the Highest Ruler; a prayer that is seriously felt will be attracted to a power-centre of identical nature. ... Something good will always come of it, be it only increased composure and balance of mind.”
Political Rumblings in Nigeria
As I prepared to dwell on political rumblings in our land, focusing on the opposition gathering in Ibadan to confront the slide to a one-party state, the Supreme Court was about to rule on a case brought by ADC. I held back, noting the address by Ralph Nwosu, founding national chairman of the African Democratic Congress. Speaking at the ADC Youths Summit, Nwosu said ADC is determined to be on the ballot, asserting that the 2027 general elections cannot be conducted by President Bola Tinubu and INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan if ADC is excluded. He reported that a coalition of opposition parties has made gains, and some senators from the ruling APC and other parties are in discussions to join ADC. I await clearer developments.
