Prayer warriors hold aloft candles at the end of the 15th National Prayer Vigil held under the theme 'Justice, Unity, Peace and Healing', at King's House, on Sunday night. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

AFTERNOON rains might have prompted the decision of many to stay away from Sunday night's 15th renewal of the National Prayer Vigil at King's House, St. Andrew. But nothing could dampen the spirits of the nation's political and church leaders and prayer warriors who gathered on those hallowed lawns to seek God's face.

'Justice, Unity, Peace and Healing' was the theme and ministers tailored messages and prayers to fit each dimension. Sweetly lacing the more than three-hour prayer dedication and beseeching were powerful blends of spirited songs offered by Sam Wisdom and the Love Singers and other choirs.

World Peace

Former Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, patron at the vigil, told the gathering that God wants to use Jamaica as an example for world peace.

"In Jamaica, the Palestinians and the Jews intermarry," Sir Howard quipped, while adding that he believes Jamaicans can live in peace in spite of their differences. Sir Howard expressed pleasure at Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's numerous pronouncements of leading a God-fearing nation and said he had all confidence in Opposition Leader Bruce Golding's ability to stay away from confrontational politics.

Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Golding, along with Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall and Mrs. Hall, were among those in attendance.

Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Golding read scriptures in the spirited ceremony before the Reverend Gary Harriott, general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches, underscored the importance of justice, unity, peace and healing to the land.

In the final analysis, Rev. Harriott said: "The word is love."

With that the stage was set for a magnificent candlelight ceremony which brought the curtains down on a scantily attended, yet spiritual, evening at King's House.