Over time, I’ve had people come to me to ask that I help pray over issues of who to marry. Some would plainly send names of people to me to help “check” which of them is God’s choice. Sincerely, such requests often baffle me as I was not brought up that way. I was taught to access God personally.

Friend, you have access. You can approach God personally for help and direction. The high priest in those days served as an intermediary between men and God. But our own High Priest today (Jesus) is not just an intermediary, He is our access (Hebrews 4:14-16). His priestly ministry is empowering, not enslaving (Hebrews 2:10-11).

Some people’s Christianity is a reflection of the culture of their environment. This should not be. We are not supposed to allow culture to affect our Christianity. Rather, we should superimpose our Christianity on the existing culture (1 Peter 2:9).

The way people consult with herbalists in the world is the way some still want to do with pastors and ministers today. Pastor, don’t let anyone make a witch doctor or herbalist out of your life and calling. Never replace God in people’s life. Help them find and access God (Hebrews 10:19-22).

A real leader leads in such a way that he makes himself less needed in people’s life. The more needed you posture yourself to be as a leader, the more ineffective you truly are. When Jesus was on earth, He would always emphasize that He was not supposed to be with the disciples forever (Mark 9:19, John 16:7). Your job is to empower people, not enslave them.

Stop visiting prayer contractors. Develop your own prayer life. Stop asking people to help find out what God is saying, you can access Him by yourself; you have access (Isaiah 8:19). You can be led. You should be led (Romans 8:14). Develop personal intimacy with God. While we can temporarily leverage the anointed, they are not to replace our personal walk with God.

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria