Photo by ABS
Antigua and Barbuda came together today in a historic show of faith and solidarity as the nation observed its first National Day of Prayer, a new annual holiday dedicated to reflection, unity, and collective worship.
Photo by ABS
Declared by Cabinet earlier this year, the observance will be held on the second Thursday of September and is designed to bring the country together in prayer for peace, prosperity, and national wellbeing. To preserve the sanctity of the day, a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. was also enacted.
Prime Minister Gaston and Wife Maria Browne (Photo by ABS)
The day’s activities began at dawn with prayer services across churches and congregations, followed by special media devotions every half hour from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the afternoon, residents joined a March of Witness from the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG). The observance concluded with a National Prayer Service at the ARG between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Photo by Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith
Held under the theme “Acknowledging Our Dependence on God,” the inaugural event drew wide participation from citizens, faith leaders, and members of the political community, who put aside differences to focus on the nation’s spiritual and social strength.
Photo by ABS
Many described the day as a turning point for Antigua and Barbuda, offering a chance for collective healing and reflection. With its designation as a national holiday, the National Day of Prayer is expected to become a permanent fixture on the country’s calendar, uniting citizens each year in a shared call for guidance and blessing.
This was a powerful moment for our country. For once, everybody came together and put differences aside.
Alcohol ban or not, what mattered was the focus on prayer and togetherness. I hope next year is even bigger.
Some people are brave with their intentions. I would drag her out of that car and beat her ass
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. It’s so good to see Antigua observing this and I know the nation will be blessed for it unlike other places where God has to show them He is in charge, will not be mocked, and will not allow His children to be mistreated for He hears their cry. May Yahweh be praised!
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift…..many of them hate one another. It’s the hypocrisy I can’t stand
@Gillian. Than U. God is notmocked. Prayer without FAITH is baseless!!!
What a powerful turnout! Shows that faith still runs deep in our people.
What massive,it could have been way way better.
Praying is one thing living right and having live in our heart for others is something completely different