The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

As election day nears, pastors and church leaders are admonishing Bahamians to approach the polls with a prayerful spirit. 

And candidates running in the race are encouraged to do the same, since if elected, they will take on one of the most important and taxing jobs in the country. 

On Monday, the Bahamas National Baptist Women’s Convention closed out it’s national day of prayer – held under the theme “Go Light Your Candle” – with a special service. The service was held at Mount Nebo Baptist Church and was open to all.

Prayers were spoken for cleansing and forgiveness, for the family, the youth, the nation, women, the Church, the May 10 elections and politicians, particularly those present during the service.

Rev Carrington Pinder prayed for candidates in attendance, including Desmond Bannister, Jeffrey Lloyd, Reuben Rahming and Fred Mitchell.

“It is most important that the country come together as a whole for corporate prayer to seek the Almighty God. When we come together in one place, in one accord, confessing all our sins and presenting all our needs, we can expect God to answer and to move,” said Pastor Sabrina Pinder, president of the Bahamas National Baptist Women’s Department. 

“2 Chronicles 7:14 states the blessings of unity in prayer, ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land’.”

Before making their way to the polls, Pastor Pinder said Christians should consult God through prayer regarding the decision. 

“I believe Christians should be prayerful and attentive to the issues brought forth, not so much the political parties. In addition, we must seek God’s divine will for this nation. We should give ear to the voice of God and His perfect will. God knows the outcome from the foundation of the world, just as He knows the plans He has for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you a good end.’ Therefore, this campaign season should be a time for all believers to pray and seek God’s divine will for this country,” she said. 

Regardless of the outcome of the 2017 general election, Pastor Pinder reminded Bahamians that they have a duty and responsibility to pray for their leaders.

“The decisions and behaviour of a leader can impact us as individuals and collectively as a nation. As such, we must pray that whatever is done, is done in the favour of the believer and collectively as a nation.

“Every believer has a responsibility to pray for our leaders, regardless of which political party governs. We should pray that they seek God’s will for their lives and this country. We should pray that they seek godly counsel and they will be men and women who live a peaceful, quiet and honest life,” she told Tribune Religion. 

“Additionally, we know that the hearts of the king or leader is in the hands of God. So when we pray, we can ask God to have control of their lives and their decision-making for our sakes, both now and in the future.”