African Spirituality and the Presence of God’s Power on Ori-Oke among the Yoruba of Nigeria

Abstract

The existence of a massive body of writing specifically on African religion, and the institutionalization of this field in academic has tremendously helped the existence of African spirituality (or religion) developed into at least a globally recognised social fact. The Yoruba word ‘Aladura’ literally translated as “Owners of Prayer” or “The Prayer People”, refers to various independent churches of West African origin characterised by their belief in prayer, divine healing, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The belief in the possibility of deliverance from evil forces reflects a perception of the continual presence of God's power, and the need to pray, to prophesy and to heal assumes the possibility of immediate divine intervention. The Aladura Churches which began the indigenous Churches, by indigenous persons, and run under indigenous leadership, are champions of this course. The pivot of the Pentecostal churches world over is Prayer and the members are encouraged to commit every situation of life in the hand of God through it. Emotions and feelings are very important elements in prayer and they determine the depth, the sincerity and the worth of the prayer. Such prayer can only be spontaneous, long and at times accompanied with fasting; and they are often regarded more effective when said on a mountain top (ori-oke). Members therefore throng these sacred places for effective powerful prayers. Psalms in the bible are read, water or oil are blessed and sanctified for healing and other reasons. But what makes a mountain top (ori-oke) a place of prayer? What biblical reference supports such practice? What takes place on Prayer Mountains? These are the focus of this paper that employs historical and analytical approaches in its findings.