Popular cleric and Founder, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has urged Christians to balance their spiritual commitments with hard work, saying prayers alone will not yield the desired results without effort and dedication.
Speaking at the Owuro Aanu Special Anointing Service in Ikotun, Lagos, the Prophet lamented that many believers waste valuable time meant for self-development and productive activities on endless prayers, expecting miracles without effort.
“It is not enough to pray; you must act. Many spend hours asking God for financial breakthroughs while refusing to work diligently towards their goals. This is why some prayers seem unanswered,” he said.
Citing Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus instructed Simon Peter to cast his net again after an unsuccessful night of fishing, Prophet Olu-Alo encouraged Nigerians not to give up when faced with failures but to persist with faith and effort.
Outlining seven tips for success, he explained that dedication and a clear sense of direction are necessary for anyone who desires success. “Without commitment and a defined path, progress remains uncertain. Hard work must also go hand in hand with prayers.
He added that those “who remain tireless in their pursuits are more likely to see results, just as Peter did not give up but cast his net again when instructed by Jesus.
The cleric stressed the importance of obedience to God and spiritual leadership, referencing how Peter’s breakthrough came because he obeyed Jesus’ words, despite his prior failure. Many people, he noted, struggle unnecessarily because they refuse to follow divine instructions or listen to wise counsel.
Prophet Olu-Alo also listed faith as another essential ingredient. He said it is not enough to pray and work; one must trust that God will bring the expected result at the right time.
The Prophet also urged people to embrace unity and collaboration as working together increases the chances of success, just as fishermen in biblical times needed partners to help them pull in a great catch. “No one succeeds alone, and building strong relationships can lead to greater achievements,” Prophet Olu-Alo said.
Urging Christians to focus on their strengths as it can open doors to success, the prominent cleric said “many fail because they do not recognize their strengths and weaknesses.”
Finally, the cleric advised Nigerians to surrender everything to God. Letting go of past disappointments, forgiving oneself and others, and fully trusting in God’s plan allows people to move forward without unnecessary burdens.
Prophet Olu-Alo warned against the rising influence of fake clerics, saying many Nigerians have fallen victim to deceptive preachers who exploit their desperation for miracles. He pointed out that even abroad, Nigerians understand the importance of hard work, so it is surprising that many seek shortcuts at home.
He urged Christians to embrace a balanced life of prayer and diligent effort, reminding them that true breakthroughs come when divine blessings meet consistent hard work.
