Avoid empty, meaningless theatrics in prayer

A strong call has been made to Presbyterian students to cultivate a reverent, disciplined, and biblically grounded prayer life, avoiding empty spiritual theatrics that undermine true communion with God.

This call was issued at the 2026 Prayer Conference jointly organised by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and Sunyani Technical University (STU) Sub‑Coordinating Branches of the National Union of Presbyterian Students Ghana (NUPS‑G).

Delivering the opening remarks, the Brong Ahafo Presbytery NUPS‑G Coordinator, Rev. Vincent Kwame Osei, who doubles as the Presbytery’s Public Relations Officer, urged students to reject superficial displays of spirituality and instead develop a sustainable life of prayer rooted in discipline and reverence.

He reminded them that the first strategy in the mission statement of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is mobilising the entire Church in prayer, emphasising that prayer is foundational to Presbyterian identity and mission.

Rev. Osei encouraged the students to embrace the Church’s heritage of sound spirituality. He stressed that prayer must be approached with the right posture before God. “Develop a healthy approach to God’s presence,” he said. “Cultivate an attitude that communicates reverence—an approach that embodies respectful courtesies to God.”

Building on this message, the Conference Speaker, Rev. Joseph Adu‑Agyem Jnr., cautioned students to exercise the gift of speaking in tongues responsibly and in accordance with Scripture. He observed that some young Christians, under the guise of spirituality, misuse the gift and neglect biblical grounding in their prayer lives.

“Today, because of the gift of speaking in tongues, some Christians cannot quote the Bible and pray with understanding,” he remarked, warning that such trends weaken the effectiveness of prayer.

Preaching on the conference theme, “Rooted in Heritage: Rising in Prayer,” Rev. Adu‑Agyem Jnr. drew lessons from the life of Jabez to illustrate the transformative power of earnest prayer. He highlighted the centrality of prayer within Presbyterian tradition, noting that the word Presbyterian, when rendered as an anagram, can be read as “Best in Prayer.”

This, he said, reinforces the truth that prayer is the lifeblood of Presbyterian spirituality and a defining hallmark of the Church’s heritage. The conference ended with a renewed call for students to deepen their prayer lives, uphold Presbyterian values, and pursue spiritual growth grounded in Scripture.