Bishop Charles Dufour (right), Roman Catholic Bishop of Montego Bay and apostolic administrator of Mandeville, meets with Pope Benedict XVI during an 'ad limina apostolorum' visit to Rome, Italy, recently.The 'ad limina apostolorum' visit, which means a 'a visit to the threshold of the apostles', is a time bishops in the Catholic Church enjoy every five years when they travel to Rome and pray on the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul, disciples who gave their lives for the Lord Jesus through the shedding of their blood. - Contributed

More than 200 countries will be crying out to God on Sunday in observance of the Global Day of Prayer.

Several Jamaican churches have pledged to be involved in this global initiative which is spearheaded locally by the parachurch organisations, Prayer 2000 and the Jamaica Youth For Christ.

Brainchild of Graham power

The Global Day of Prayer initiative was birthed in the heart of Graham Power, a South African businessman in 2000. Initially, it was a vision to pray for South Africa, then the other countries in Africa. By 2005, the world Christian community had embraced and have been observing one day each year for united prayer.

Fourth year

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Jamaica has been observing the Global Day of Prayer.

Rev Naila Ricketts, president of Prayer 2000, told The Gleaner that the country's six major umbrella church groups are on board with the observation of this year's event. He said that churches are being urged to utilise various prayers on the website of the Global Day of Prayer organisation http://www.globaldayofprayer.com).

Ricketts

On Sunday, Christians in the Kingston Metropolitan Region are being encouraged to attend a prayer rally at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew. The rally will begin at 3 p.m. and a wide range of prayers will be said by clergy from various denominations. The rally will also include musical renditions from popular praise and worship singers, including Perpetual Praise and True Worshippers.

Dance renditions

The day's programme at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre will also include dance renditions from various Christian choreography groups.

Rev. Ricketts expressed confidence that God would hear the prayers being offered by the nation on May 11, especially if such are spoken with contrite hearts.