THE Standing Orders Committee of Parliament, which oversees procedural matters in the legislature, indicated yesterday that a new prayer would be tabled by July this year.

At the same time the committee agreed to the introduction of a prayer book and a chaplaincy for the legislature.

Committee members anticipate the introduction of the new prayer to coincide with the country’s 40th Independence celebrations in August this year.

But before the new prayer is finalised the committee will consult with a wide range of religious groups, according to Violet Neilson, Speaker of the House, and committee chairperson.

Debate on the revision of the prayer that is read at the start of the sittings of parliament was initiated last November by Dr Peter Phillips, house leader, out of concern that the language of the prayer, was anachronistic and reflected the plantation era. Because of its language structure, many parliamentarians have expressed their discomfort with the prayer.

“We should seek to establish our own protocol,” noted Syringa Marshal-Burnett, President of the Senate, who co-chaired the Standing Orders committee meeting yesterday. She suggested a “more positive appeal” to the Throne of Grace rather than the “debasing one” as reflected in the current prayer.

In addition to formulating a new prayer, Anglican Priest, Ernle Gordon, who appeared before the committee yesterday, proposed the production of a book containing “contextual prayers” focusing on different aspects of national life such as national security, health and education.

Meanwhile, Hero Blair, another clergyman, pointed to the need for specific prayers in the event of national days or events of importance or national disasters.

Derrick Smith, Leader of Opposition Business in the House, mooted the establishment of a chaplaincy for parliament to provide “continued spiritual guidance”. Committee members and the visiting clergy suggested that representatives of various religious denominations comprise the chaplaincy.

Gordon, who had previously published his proposals for a new prayer in his Observer columns, submitted them to the Standing Order Committee.

He wants the “sovereignty of the Jamaican people”, rather than the British Monarchy, to take precedence in the new parliamentary prayer. In addition the prayer should mention the leaders of state, government, legislature and the judiciary.

Gordon advocated the use of “inclusive” language which is sensitive to issues of gender, senior citizens, family and the young people.

“We must incorporate the idea of responsibility from those who govern and the notion of stewardship for our resources in order to facilitate a better quality of life for the Jamaican people,” urged Gordon.