Azi gave that advice in his Ash Wednesday sermon, marking the commencement of the lent season, in Jos.
According to Azi, prayer, almsgiving, and fasting remain key components of the Lenten period and the Christian faithful must emulate Christ in this regard.
“Lenten season operates on a tripod: Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
“Christians must use this period to pray for themselves and their neighbors. You should also use the things you fasted from to give alms.
“You have to show love and care for the needy in the society; it’s an opportunity to share what you have with the poor. By doing so, your reward on earth and in heaven will be great,” he said.
He further called on the Christian faithful to use the Lenten period to pray for the progress of Nigeria and for its leaders to lead right.
“This is a period of sober reflection, a period Christians should use to sincerely pray and ask God to heal our land.
“This country is sick, a lot of things are not right, so, we should fast, pray, and ask God to direct our leaders to do things for the greater good of all,” Azi said.
He also advised the Christian faithful to stay away from sin, adding that God will only listen to their prayers if they approach him in sincere repentance.
According to reports, Ash Wednesday signifies the commencement of the Lenten Period leading to Easter when Jesus Christ was resurrected.
The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. During the period of 40-day prayer and fasting, the Christian faithful show repentance and mourning for their sins, because Jesus died for them.
