A 29-year-old Canada-based Nigerian lady has sparked online debate after advising women to stop praying for marriage during the popular Hallelujah Challenge hosted by gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey.
In a viral video shared on X, the lady said she finds it unnecessary for women to constantly include marriage in their prayer requests, insisting she is content being single and not desperate for a husband.
She said: “Let women normalise not praying for marriage at Hallelujah Challenge. I’m 29 and I don’t pray for marriage and I’m not desperate. What happens to a man praying for a marriage? Why is a man not praying to marry me?”
Her remarks stirred mixed reactions across social media, with some agreeing with her perspective while others criticised her for being dismissive of women who genuinely desire marriage.
Maney wrote: “Funny how women say they’re not desperate but still want a man praying for them. So who’s the desperate one now? If you’re truly not praying for marriage, why care if a man is? Let everybody face their own prayer point abeg.”
Samlech added: “It’s not desperation to want marriage, but it shouldn’t be women doing all the praying either.”
House of Ary commented: “Location has a lot to do with topics like this. There’s usually a shift in perspective. Environment shapes exposure, and reshapes priorities. Many change their views on marriage, success, or family once they experience life in a different space. It’s not denial, it’s growth.”
However, Kelvin criticised the video, saying: “Sometimes I stop to wonder what’s your business in people’s lives. Social media has made it easier to open your camera and make your opinion even if nobody cares. Someone joins the Hallelujah Challenge to pray for marriage, you join to pray for something else. What’s your problem with the other person praying for marriage? You all need to learn the habit of minding your business.”
The Hallelujah Challenge, started by Nathaniel Bassey in 2017, is a midnight worship and prayer event that attracts thousands of participants globally via Instagram and YouTube. It is known for inspiring testimonies ranging from healing to marriages and personal breakthroughs.