Fr. Marcel Ajoket Encourages Christians to Deepen Their Bond with God Through Prayer

By Ekou Richard

Fr. Marcel Ajoket Encourages Christians to Deepen Their Bond with God Through Prayer

Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, Parish Priest of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish, Dakabela, and Director of Soroti Catholic Diocese Social Communications (SSOCCOM), has urged Christians to strengthen their connection with God through persistent prayer, which he described as the very bedrock of spiritual growth.

While delivering his Sunday homily at Dakabela Parish, Fr. Marcel told the congregation that blessings from God begin with intimacy and commitment to Him. “If you want God to do good for you, you must show that you are close to Him through prayers,” he remarked, stressing the need for an active spiritual relationship.

He highlighted that a life anchored in prayer empowers believers to navigate adversity. Even amidst environments overwhelmed by evil, a single faithful individual can draw transformation and divine favor. “Even if there are many bad people in your clan, try to be a good person. God will save the whole clan through you,” Fr. Marcel noted.

He pointed out that a distant relationship with God often manifests as spiritual lethargy. “When you don’t have a relationship with God, even prayers you will be lazy in,” he observed. He further encouraged the congregation to maintain consistency and fervency in their prayer life.

Fr. Marcel cautioned against giving up when prayers seem unanswered. “We should always pray to God, not saying, ‘I’m tired, God has not listened to my prayers.’ God is not tired of forgiving us and listening to us. It’s us who are tired of praying to God,” he said, challenging the faithful to develop endurance in their spiritual walk.

He criticized the tendency among some Christians to express impatience during extended church services, yet readily commit long hours to secular engagements. “Some people come to church, and if Mass takes long, they start complaining. But in other things, people can wait and they don’t complain about time,” he stated.

Drawing a powerful metaphor, Fr. Marcel compared prayer to a signed blank cheque from heaven. “Prayer is the only way we can be close to God. It is like a blank bank check that is already signed, you just fill the figure you want,” he said, inviting Christians to approach God with faith-filled requests.

He warned, however, against expecting instant miracles or treating prayer like a transaction. “Some people pray once and stop because they want God to respond tomorrow. God is not a witch doctor,” Fr. Marcel warned, urging believers to trust in divine timing.

Fr. Marcel elaborated on how God responds to prayer in three ways: with a ‘Yes,’ a ‘No,’ or a ‘Yes, but not now.’ Sometimes, he said, prayers may be answered through the next generation. “Sometimes God might not answer your prayers to you, maybe He will answer through your children,” he explained.

Reiterating the importance of being “addicted to prayer,” Fr. Marcel emphasized consistency, gratitude, and humility. He expressed concern that many only turn to God with requests. “People only give God request prayers but not thanksgiving and glory. We should always give glory back to God; that is when we shall get more,” he advised.

Closing his sermon, Fr. Marcel delivered a passionate reminder to remain spiritually steadfast: “Do not get tired of praying to God and be consistent in prayers. Prayer opens doors for God to help you.”