The event, which will commence at 6 p.m., will see speakers focusing on the theme 'Justice, Unity, Peace and Healing'.

Chairman of the National Prayer Vigil Committee, the Rev Roy Henry, said the theme was chosen as it is identified with the things that the nation need to stand firm in the tough financial crises.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen called for persons to bond together and invite God's presence on the island.

"This is one of three distinct times when the nation is so fortunate to get the service of the Church, deliberately and intentionally, to intercede to God on behalf of the nation," said Sir Patrick, himself a former head of Seventh-day Adventists in Jamaica.

Prayer meetings are also held at the beginning of the year. A mid-year prayer weekend is also a calendar item.

Miraculous interventions

While encouraging Jamaicans to draw confidence from the myriad of biblical accounts of miraculous interventions through prayer, Sir Patrick urged full support for the annual venture.

In addition to hosting the prayer vigil, the St Ann's Bay Ministers' Fraternal will be undertaking a parish project. The St Ann's Bay Hospital and the parish infirmary will receive much-needed equipment from the group.