My People:
Greetings on the commemoration of the nineteenth year of the observance of Anguilla’s National Day of Prayer! I must commend the organizers for finding a practical way even in this period of challenge to make this event happen. The observance of this day must remain a deliberate event in the calendar of a grateful people.
Our God has been awesome to us, as a people, and it is therefore appropriate that in addition to our individual prayers and thanksgiving – we must also, as a nation, designate a special time for collective prayer and fellowship in an atmosphere overwhelmed by expressions of sincere gratitude and praise.
The International theme this year has asked that we Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth. However, it must not be construed as selfish or uncaring of our brothers and sisters in all parts of the globe that we choose this special day to Pray God’s Glory Across Anguilla — and so as always in our every supplication we remember them as well.
In recent months Anguilla like many other countries globally, both large and small, has been impacted by the unprecedented fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The modern world has never been subjected to such a pervasive health related phenomenon.
Even in these precarious circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is evident that the prayers and intercessions of all our people have kept us safe. Indeed, God has smiled on Anguilla.
The words of the English Hymn Writer Hugh Stowell remind us that there is no storm too great that we cannot conquer. We are indeed assured of God’s mercy. I quote the first and third stanzas of the Hymn he penned so movingly:
- From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat—
’Tis found beneath the mercy seat…
3.There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.
That must indeed be the purpose of our presence here today in fellowship with residents from every denomination to give God thanks.
Indeed the current situation continues to threaten the social and economic balance of our land — but prayer is essential for rebuilding. We, as a people, have to bind ourselves to the words of 2nd Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
We need the word of healing as it speaks to the physical, emotional, and spiritual deficiencies of our nation. The word will cause us to recognize we are all God’s children and he has called us to love and do good works. If indeed there was a time that we are called upon to love — there can be no greater time than now.
The theme for this National Day of Prayer Rally is framed around the supplication: “We Cry out to Thee, O Lord”! And we are asking Him to save us from these trials as well as for deliverance. We do so knowing that it is declared that the Almighty will restore this land.
Our cry is as it is recorded in Psalms 118:25, “Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!” And in keeping with Deuteronomy 28 – 8 to command his blessing upon Anguilla, and in all that is undertaken for nation building and the greater good of this people.
No doubt we will be hearing many prayers this afternoon imploring the Creator, who is the author and finisher of our faith to remove this dreadful pandemic from among us.
To provide healing for those who suffer — and a cure for all!
Comfort for those of this land, the region and the world who mourn!
To sustain those who are without work.
To bless all families gathered here and those who are gathered virtually, the nation’s leaders and all who are charged with making critical decisions each day in these extraordinary times.
And to guide us aright so that whatever decisions we make will be to the honour and glory and of his holy name.
At a time like this, I would especially ask the almighty to look over our doctors, nurses, first responders, and all medical personnel who have dedicated their lives to save others. And to pour his spirit on the selfless community and civic leaders who are doing their part to help those in need.
To watch over our children, their parents teachers and all other who have the care and responsibility of them. Indeed, to intercede for all of Anguilla. As a people, over the years, we have proven that there is no circumstance that can overcome the resilience and indomitable nature of the Anguillian spirit.
Through every heartache, and every tribulation, we have persevered again and again. We pray even now to let it be so as it was in our history of hardship.
Finally, let me affirm that I believe that our efforts here this afternoon, in prayer and thanksgiving, will serve to restore hope to the barns and vineyards of our Island home. Let us therefore, in humility, trust the Creator for all that he has blessed us with – and all that is to come – as we strive as a community to build on the present reality and press on to an abundant future.
May God continue to strengthen and bear us up. And May God forever bless this land Anguilla and all Anguillians and residents here at home and in the Diaspora.
