Nation to Participate in Two Days of Prayer and Repentance

The nation is being called on to participate in two days of repentance, healing and reconciliation with God at the National Prayer Vigil on December 13 and 14 at the Olson Memorial Church of God in Kingston.

Under the theme ‘Justice, Unity, Peace and Healing’, the event will commence on Saturday at 7:00 a.m., and culminate with a church service on Sunday (December 14), from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday (December 9) at the Medallion Hall Hotel in Kingston, Chairman of the Prayer and Promotions Committee, Dr. Patricia Holness, noted that the vigil provides opportunity for atonement as the nation recovers from a national disaster.

“We want to use this moment of great disaster brought upon us by Hurricane Melissa to stop the way we have been living. It is not unusual for times of deep reflection, prayer, repentance, and recommitment to follow times of great national disasters. Repentance means to turn around. In the midst of our brokenness and before we rebuild, it is appropriate that each and every Jamaican, irrespective of their roles and responsibilities, come before God in repentance,” Dr. Holness said.

She called on Jamaicans to “realign our lives with the godly principles” and turn back to a national identity grounded in the “godly values reflected in the Word of God, our national anthem, our national pledge, and our national motto”.

“When we repent, we are making an intentional decision about our future. When we repent, we are choosing to bring life in Jamaica back to the Almighty God and his Word so that we may increase in beauty, fellowship, and prosperity, and also play our part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race,” Dr. Holness said.

The National Prayer Vigil is being held under the patronage of Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

Proceeds from this year’s event will assist the people of Hanover, the parish in which the vigil was initially slated to be held.