Book: Wealth of Prayer
Author: WF Kumuyi
Page: 157
Publisher: Life Press Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
Reviewer: Banji Ojewale
Several years ago, a journalist contacted the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM, Pastor William Foloronso Kumuyi, curious to know what he hid under his miracle-filled prayers, which were always fulfilled without fanfare. The reporter marveled: “What I find amazing…is that some of the other priests would put their hands on people and shake them until they fell down and were lying around. But don't do this. You just stand on the podium and say a simple prayer, a simple prayer, no theatrics, and people will be fine.”
The respected founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, DLBC, told his interviewer: ''There is no theatrics in our church, because, from my background, I don't like anything that can be turned into a show or drama. Some pastors prefer drama rather than results. I want results instead of drama. I have also seen the ministry of Jesus Christ, and I want to follow the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as closely as possible…So in the earlier years, I prayed, “Lord, I want this kind of ministry, the kind of Jesus. I don't want anything fake. I'm not building myself up or elevating myself.'' (So) I will keep praying for people and trust God to give results.''
Pastor Kumuyi has since gone on to write a book, Riches of Prayer, which details the ''Jesus Type'' of ministry that is the foundation of the pastor's powerful prayer life. This has led them to dire consequences beyond their base in Africa to the outer parts of the world. In language neither messy, nor complex, nor complicated, Kumui says the simple mystery is the Lord's Prayer which famously opens with ''Our Father in Heaven.'' He emphasizes that all we need to do to enjoy the unfathomable wealth of prayer is to strictly follow Christ's example. Neither more, nor less.
His work turns the Lord's model from “inside out” line by line to teach us that although the Bible proclaims, “All flesh will come to you, you who pray fervently,” conditions must be met to reach Him. Those conditions are made in the Lord's Prayer. Christ must know the kind of plea that attracts heaven's attention is that of heaven where earthlings direct their petitions. He says that since man cannot live without praying to his creator. As for spiritual and material needs, we must learn to do these properly for beneficial results. Kumui recalls that Jesus Christ himself prayed to prove the indispensability of prayer in the relationship between the serious believer and God.
The founder of DLBC states that following the pattern of Christ, we must first establish a bond with God and forsake our sins, so that we can faithfully refer to Him as “Our Father who art in heaven.” I cannot say: 'What art in heaven' if I am not laying up any treasure there.'' Then, he argues, you are not allowed to say ''Hallowed be your name'' or ''Your kingdom come'' if your actions do not honor God to hasten the coming of his kingdom. Even more: You cannot talk about God's will being done here on earth as it is done in heaven if right here in the world, you are already trampling on His Word; Asking for “daily bread” implies complete dependence on God for all supplies without any doubtful deals and compromises; When we ask God to forgive our debts, we have ignored the debts of others; And while we call upon God to deliver us from temptation and evil, we should not go even near their territory; After all, how can anyone bound by the passions of this passing realm say, “Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever?”
Kumui cautions that the approximately 66-word Christ's Prayer (in the original Greek version) is not intended to be repeated robotically in our worship service or at home. no way. Instead, Christ brought it to teach us how to pray, not a prayer to be repeated all the time. This is why we cannot find it in the prayers of New Testament believers.
According to Kumui, three things should come to light when we pray and hope that Heaven will grant our requests. These are desire and concern for the kingdom of God, knowledge of God's will, and submission to God's will. At each stage, God must be present, effective and constant. Pastor Kumuyi claims that any prayer that fails these tests, “will turn on us, and that will be the end of it.” No effect. No heavenly sanction; Useless words! At best such prayers are mere nonsense meant to waste time and appear pious.”
These bold views of the man of God in his riches of prayer clearly challenge what we see in the church today. Christ says watch and pray. But the pulpit and pew offer more prayer, which, even at that, is a complete negation of the ancient principles established by God.
Pointing out this troubling departure, Pastor Kumuyi declared: ''In an age when religious activities have become popular, it is common to see people praying, or rather, to be seen praying…But whether this is a measure of the world leaning more toward God is very doubtful…Prayer goes beyond the use of the right words. One may use the right words in prayer, but if the heart, attitude, and disposition are wrong before God, the prayers… become empty words, unprofitable and a futile exercise.''
Pastor Kumuyi's book, given in artless language consistent with the simple recitation of the Lord's Prayer, is gently saying that prayer that moves God originates from a ''meek and quiet'' spirit that has a deep connection with heaven, and not one that maintains a gymnastic presence before God, offering physical abilities like clapping, shouting, jumping, long prayers, etc. as the basis for receiving heaven.
.Ojewale is a writer based in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
