For Peace, Unity and Healing in Nigeria
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
All-powerful and merciful Father,
You are the God of justice, love and peace.
You rule over all the nations of the Earth.
Power and might are in Your hands.
And no one can withstand You.
We present our country, Nigeria, before You.
We praise and thank You,
For You are the source of all we have and are.
We are sorry for all the sins we have committed.
And for the good deeds we have failed to do.
In Your loving forgiveness, keep us safe from the punishment we deserve.
Lord, we are weighed down,
Not only by Uncertainties,
But also by moral, economic and political problems.
Listen to the cries of Your People,
Who confidently turn to You.
God of infinite goodness,
Our strength in adversity.
Our health in weakness.
Our comfort in sorrow.
Be merciful to us, Your people.
Spare this nation, Nigeria, from chaos, anarchy and doom.
Bless us with Your kingdom of justice, love and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria says it composed the prayer on July 27, 1993. The bishops described it as a prayer that millions of Catholics recited daily. CBCN
The prayer arose from Nigeria’s difficult political circumstances during military rule. It calls Nigerians towards prayer, repentance and trust in God. It also asks God to protect the nation from chaos and bring justice, love and peace. Jesuiten
The bishops later entrusted Nigeria anew to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria, on September 16, 1994. They continued to encourage Catholics to pray the Rosary and the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress. CBCN
The prayer remains part of Catholic prayer for Nigeria. In 2025, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria again called Catholics and people of goodwill to recite it during a nine-day period of prayer for peace and healing. CBCN
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has also urged Catholics to continue praying the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress during Masses, prayer meetings and family prayers.
Source: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, as documented by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
Leave a Reply