Sunday Service

Kanye West’s “Jesus is King” album occupying the void as I drive to pick up Tunde on my way to church. It is the last Sunday of the year so, for obvious reasons, I was excited. I even wore the navy blue and olive green native I’d been saving since October. I looked rich and I felt the part too.

It didn’t take long to get to Tunde’s place and I let out a sigh of relief when I found him waiting for me.

“oh boy, see how you look dapper my guy!”

” Thanks bro”

” You didn’t tell me we were to dress up bro. I look so simple when compared to you…”. Tunde goes ahead, stroking my ego like no other. The black ornamental buttons placed decoratively on the shirt, gave it a touch of sophistication. We drove, getting lost in conversations about the usual topics; Nigeria, weather and weddings. Upon the infamous male “scummery“, I received an unusual amount of wedding invites. Isn’t that wonderful?!

A couple of minutes into the praise session, my waist ached but my energy not a bit diminished. I was so happy to hear the choir singing praises in my dialect, Ogoni. And what was even nicer was that they got the lyrics correctly. I’ve gotten used to people butchering songs from my place especially in cities like Lagos. As long as what they’re singing sounds like the correct thing, it does not matter and this applies across.

The praise tempo slowed and we moved into a worship session. Oyinye, the choir lady I’ve set eyes on for a while, takes me to heaven with her voice as she leads the whole church in worship. The whole atmosphere changed as we all with one loud voice sang songs of thanksgiving to God. Tears, laughter and joy… What a year!

The minister to lead the prayer session, mounted the pulpit. Like an unspoken rule, she led us in another song and we followed suit thereafter she started giving the prayer points.

“Brethren, we are gathered here today. Its not by your power, or might but by God’s mercies…”

She goes on, giving the usual speech of thanksgiving, the line that the average Nigerian churchgoer has become very much acquainted to;

“some are in the mortuary but you’re here in the sanctuary…”

I don’t know why this particular statement has become a crucial part of the normal Sunday service but regardless, I bow my head, reflect and give thanks.

” You think it’s because you work hard, ask the thugs and Street hustlers, they don’t count as much money as you do”

Now, that isn’t sitting right with me.

” People are crying and mourning, but you’re here happy and dancing. Better thank God”

That’s quite presumptuous to think that we all have it together at home.

” People lost properties and jobs, but…”

She goes on and on. At this point I was lost. Are we here to compare and contrast? Why must thanksgiving always be comparative? We are a relatively large assembly and such prayers in my opinion are said best in close gatherings.

I take a sit and bow my head as the prayers continue. Zoning out completely and reflecting on the past year. Yes, I lost dear people, I lost money, I struggled with my sanity but He kept me going. That was enough reason.

“Now, let’s pray for our enemies. Let’s pray brethren that God should put an end to them before this year runs out except they repent”, the minister said almost with a shout.

Like a wave of strength washed through the church, people started praying. It felt like I was witnessing the modern day of pentecostal. Shouting, wailings, tongues of all sorts, all praying for the demise of their enemies and honestly I found this really entertaining.

So the love of Christ in us doesn’t extend to our enemies? The part where Jesus prayed for his enemies on the cross is alien to us? What then is the difference? We are also blood thirsty but it’s okay since it’s in the name of Jesus.

I sat there, totally disconnected from the prayers and my mind wandering. As nice as I am, there is a good chance that someone considers me to be an enemy. Is this how the person is praying for me?

The particular fellow besides me, brought out oil and handkerchief, chanting “die, in Jesus name, die“.

It’s funny how frequent such prayers are made and funnier how we tag all our problems on these so called enemies. Maybe I wasn’t being sensitive, maybe I was parading with the “holier than thou” attitude.

“Brethren, let’s pray for the year 2021. Say father, 2021 is my year!!!”

Upon hearing that, I picked up my properties and left.

*************

Seasons greetings everyone. What a year 😅. Regardless of our individual experiences, there is a reason to be grateful. The fact that we are still fighting. I picked up a little slogan once upon a time which is, we live to fight for another day.

Bearing that in mind has helped me curtail certain expectations and prevented me from several disappointments so with that said, I have no expectations for 2021 (except the witcher season 2 and season finale of money heist… They better be worth the wait😭).

Thank you all for the support. Have a good one! ❤️