Recently I attended a traditional ceremony in the community. They always invite as many local “kings” (clan leaders) as they can to these ceremonies. The main job of the clan leaders is to act as a priest/intermediary to the ancestors. These ancestors from the main clans in the area are always mentioned in the prayers to ask for their blessing, which is the main purpose for these ceremonies. Over the years (and for a variety of reasons) more and more focus has been put on praying to God, rather than to the ancestors. Our experience has been that they tend to open the prayer to God but always add in some prayers to the ancestors as well.
The “kings” of the biggest clans in the area are always invited and given a prominent place. Since the departed ancestors from their clans have lots of clout the kings from those clans are the ones who are usually asked to lead these ceremonies.
Well it so happens that a couple of the prominent clan leaders in our area have been faithfully attending the Bible teaching. When it came their turn they did their whole ritual praying to God without a single mention of an ancestor. As one of them wrapped up his prayer (without having mentioned any of his ancestors that are normally the focus of these ceremonies) someone from the back of the crowd yelled out “aren’t you going to mention ancestor X or ancestor Y?” He responded by saying “I don’t believe in praying to the ancestors.”
Sometimes I am quick to discount things like that by thinking to myself: “Well, I am his friend and I am sitting right here and I have been teaching God’s Word so he is probably just saying that to please me.” Then I think: “On the other hand, I have been praying for some time that God would grow in their estimation to the point that they no longer feel the need to ask ancestors for help. Perhaps what I am seeing is an answer to prayer and I shouldn’t be so quick to discount it.” Indeed these men were “ordained” by their clans for no other purpose than to act as intermediaries between the clan and the ancestors.
For one of them to publically say “I don’t believe in praying to ancestors” is absolutely huge. And these men are not leaders of insignificant clans. These are the chief priests of some of the most important local clans saying they reject the very foundations of their role. They are in essence saying that from now on they will perform their role and direct their petitions exclusively to God. I know that they have a long way to go in their journey towards maturity but these are huge initial steps.
Praise the Lord with us for what He is doing in the lives of those who are listening to His word.