Antigua and Barbuda Marks National Day of Prayer With Island-Wide Devotions
Antigua and Barbuda paused on Thursday to observe its National Day of Prayer, a public holiday set aside to reflect on faith and unity under the theme “Acknowledging Our Dependence on God.”
From early morning, congregations across the islands gathered in prayer before faith leaders joined a special live broadcast on ABS television. The programme, organised by the Ecclesiastical Commission, featured devotions from across the Christian spectrum, each emphasising prayer as a central pillar of national life.
Dr Carson Greene of the Seventh-day Adventist Church opened the broadcast by warning that prayer should not be reserved for moments of disaster or personal crisis. “We don’t need God only when we are in trouble. We need God all the time,” he said, pointing to scripture that describes God as both creator and sustainer.
He reminded the audience that the holiday was intended as more than a ritual. “When we say God is Lord, we are saying that God directs the affairs of this nation,” he added, before leading prayers for political leaders, the judiciary, families, businesses and all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.
Bishop Robert A. Llanos, representing the Antigua Christian Council, reflected on the writings of St Augustine and the examples of Jesus and the apostles to illustrate the importance of constant prayer.
“Unbroken fellowship between God and man was the environment God planned for us,” he said, urging humility and prayer “from the heart” as the foundation for a thriving nation. Llanos concluded by inviting the country to join him in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, describing it as “the most perfect prayer of prayers”.
Reverend Dr Olson Daniel of the Evangelical Alliance called for the day to be treated with reverence rather than as a routine holiday. Drawing on the biblical account of King Ahab, he argued that even the most wayward could find mercy if they humbled themselves.
“Today may be the saving of our nation,” he said. “Heaven should record that the people of Antigua and Barbuda took the time and really sought God’s face.” His prayer asked for divine mercy and a fresh start for the country.
Representing the Association of Independent Churches, Pastor Edlin Phillip and Elder Joseph Williams based their reflections on Isaiah 41:13, which promises God’s protection. They urged citizens not to be fearful despite challenges, stressing that “in God we are big.”
Their prayers focused on families, the eradication of crime and violence, and the creation of a more supportive society. “We speak peace, we speak shalom, we speak double shalom over this nation,” Pastor Phillip prayed, declaring that storms of crime and neglect should be replaced by unity and love.
Closing the morning session, Dr Emmanuel Elize of the Ecclesiastical Commission turned to the story of Jonah to highlight the dangers of prejudice and disobedience. He argued that national salvation is inseparable from individual obedience to God.
“Our nation’s salvation is tied to our prayers and our obedience,” he said, urging Antiguans and Barbudans to make prayer a daily practice, intercede for one another, repent quickly when they fall short, and return faithfully to God’s call.
The day’s programme continues with a March of Witness through the streets of St John’s, beginning at Perry Bay Multipurpose Centre at 1pm and culminating in a national prayer service at the Antigua Recreation Grounds at 3pm.
Organisers say the National Day of Prayer is intended to foster unity, reflection and a renewed commitment to spiritual values. “Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord,” Dr Green reminded viewers, echoing Psalm 33.
As prayers rise from pulpits and public squares alike, the nation has set aside this day not for leisure but for collective humility and reflection — a moment its leaders hope will strengthen Antigua and Barbuda in both spirit and purpose.
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