Nation Prays for Families, Youth, Public Safety and Stronger Leadership at ARG Service

Prayers for the protection of children, stronger families, an end to crime and violence, responsible leadership, and renewed hope among young people echoed across the Antigua Recreation Grounds on Thursday, September 10, as citizens gathered for Antigua and Barbuda’s National Day of Prayer.

Held under the theme, “From Repentance to Restoration: Rebuilding Trust in the God of Our Nation,” the national service brought together government officials, church leaders, families, young people and representatives of several Christian denominations.

Those gathered prayed for healing and unity across the nation and asked for God’s guidance as Antigua and Barbuda confronts crime, violence, dishonesty, injustice, corruption and the breakdown of trust within homes, communities and national institutions.

Special attention was given to the nation’s children and young people. Prayers were offered for their protection from abuse, violence, harmful social-media influences, peer pressure and other challenges threatening their development. Religious leaders also prayed for young people to regain hope, make wise decisions and grow into responsible citizens.

Families and parents were lifted in prayer, with calls for stronger homes, greater love and understanding, and firm moral guidance for children. The congregation also prayed for struggling households and people facing hardship, grief, illness, and uncertainty.

Public safety was another major focus. Participants prayed for communities affected by crime and violence, for victims and their relatives, and for the police and other authorities responsible for protecting the public. They called for the root causes of criminal behaviour to be addressed and for peace to be restored throughout the country.

Prayers were also offered for the nation’s leaders, including those serving in government, the judiciary, law enforcement, churches, schools and other institutions. The congregation asked that they be guided by wisdom, integrity, fairness and compassion in carrying out their responsibilities.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne participated in the service, praying for the continued protection of Antigua and Barbuda, its families and children, as well as the country’s sustained growth and prosperity. He later read Joel Chapter 2, verses 12 to 17, which calls on people to return to God through prayer, fasting and sincere repentance.

Chairman of the Ecclesiastical Commission and Pastor of Villa Baptist Church, Reverend Dr Emmanuel Elize, described the gathering as a sacred moment of national intercession.

“We have come not to entertain nor to be entertained. We have come to intercede, to cry out to our God,” Reverend Dr Elize said.