KINGSTON, Jamaica – With Jamaica preparing for a general election, civil society leaders and faith-based organisations are being urged to join forces for the third staging of Jamaica Pray, a national prayer rally to be held in Half -Way -Tree Square under the theme “A Nation Returning to God.”

Scheduled to take place on the last day of August at 4:00pm, the event aims to unite Jamaicans across all walks of life in prayer for the nation, its leaders, and the upcoming general elections.

Chairman of the Umbrella Group of Churches Apostle Dr Michael Smith believes Jamaica has strayed from its spiritual foundation and is in urgent need of redirection.

“We have somewhat strayed from the tenants of God, the murder rate is trending down. Yes. It was once sky high, which is a concern for us. And so we believe that when a nation strays from God, things like this happen, not only that, but you can see what’s happening in our schools with the youngsters. Basically there’s a breakdown in civil society…We need the family unit as we know it. We also believe as Christians about the sanctity of life. We also believe in marriage between a man and a woman, all of the things that we would want to see the, uh, the nation [is] departing from these,” he said.

This year’s staging will include focused prayers for the government, the political opposition, civil servants, as well as specific intercession for peace during the election period.

“We want to ensure that the elections are free and fair and free from fear…We want to make sure that both parties adhere to that or however much parties are going to, you know, put themselves forward for this general election. We want to make sure that all parties adhere to the code of conduct. That’s our primary concern,” he explained.

Bishop Smith is urging not only the church, but all sectors of society to participate in the mass prayer.

“Let us pray, send up some praises to God and believe for this revival that we so desperately want to see in this nation,” he added.

Citizens can expect praise and worship sessions, a gospel artiste as well as an alter call for those who need prayer.

Jamaica Pray was first held in 2016, and has since grown into a nationwide movement emphasising repentance, national healing, and revival.