Residents Welcome – By Azara Lavia[email protected]
Residents Welcome National Day
Residents have welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s National Day of Prayer, saying the observance is urgently needed as the country confronts crime, natural disasters and other challenges.
One man said the occasion should go beyond a national ceremony and encourage people to examine their lives, pray and turn to God.
“Scripture commands us in 1 Timothy chapter 2 to pray for everyone, especially those who rule over us, so we may live peaceful and godly lives. A National Day of Prayer must be more than a public ritual,” he said.
He also pointed to 2 Chronicles 7:14, which calls on God’s people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.
“True national healing requires personal repentance, just as the entire city of Nineveh repented in Jonah chapter 3. Prayer transforms us. This brings about transformed mindsets, reformed lives and, ultimately, a society that reflects the will of God,” he said.
He encouraged residents to use the observance as an opportunity for genuine reflection and self-examination.
Another resident strongly endorsed the initiative, saying prayer was needed as the country faced crime, natural disasters and other challenges.
“Yes, definitely. All nations need God. Everybody needs God. I think it’s very central and it’s needed,” he said.
He pointed to hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and crime among the concerns facing the country.
“So many things are happening. Hurricanes and different things, earthquakes, and we hear about the crimes and things carrying on. Things that are not godly,” he said.
He welcomed the National Day of Prayer and said he would like to see similar observances held more often.
“I think we really need that, and I really appreciate that. I think it should happen more often,” he said.
The Ecclesiastical Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, will host the National Day of Prayer on Thursday 10 September under the theme “From Repentance to Restoration: Rebuilding Trust in the God of Our Nation”.
The observance will run from 6 am to 6 pm, with churches across Antigua and Barbuda opening their doors for prayer during the morning and early afternoon.
Religious leaders from various denominations will also speak with the media about prayer, hope and thanksgiving.
The day will culminate with a national gathering at the Antigua Recreation Ground from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Chairman of the Ecclesiastical Commission Dr Emmanuel Elizèe said the observance would provide an opportunity for the nation to look inward and seek God’s protection and direction.
He said Antigua and Barbuda also had much to be thankful for despite the challenges it faced.
The public is being encouraged to take part in the day’s activities and attend the closing gathering at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
