The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Umuahia, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Obijuru Ibeabuchi, has urged Christians to make praise and thanksgiving a way of life, stressing that worship strengthens faith and invites divine intervention.
He made the call during the diocese’s 2026 Choir Praise Day, held recently, under the theme, “Exalt Him Together.”
Earlier in his sermon entitled; “Praise Renders in the Church Invokes the Power of God,” the guest speaker and the Choir Master of the Church, Mr. Ihuoma Ohajuru cited Psalm 22:3 to emphasise the place of praise in Christian worship, noting that some life challenges require divine intervention beyond human efforts.
Drawing lessons from 2 Chronicles 20:21–24, the fall of Jericho’s walls and the release of Paul and Silas from prison in Acts 16:25, worshippers were reminded of the power of heartfelt praise in securing divine intervention and deliverance.
Ohajuru explained that praise can help believers confront difficulties with faith and trust in God.
Referencing Ecclesiastes 10:10, the Choir Master likened praise to sharpening a battle axe, urging Christians to remain steadfast in worship even during difficult times. Also Citing Hebrews 13:15, he also encouraged Christian faithful to offer sacrificial praise that honours God rather than seeks human approval.
He called on church members to support the worship ministry by sponsoring musical instruments to enhance the choir’s work.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the significance of the celebration, the Choir Master of St. Stephen’s Cathedral English Session Choir, further, described Choir Praise Day as an annual opportunity to promote thanksgiving and recognise the contributions of choristers to the church.
He said the theme encouraged Christians to unite in giving glory to God. He also urged young people to embrace church music as a means of deepening their faith and drawing closer to God.
