The prayer below, written by the Reverend Devon Dick, is offered in memory of the more than 1,500 persons who have been murdered during 2007.

Dear God:

You are the giver, sustainer and terminator of life.

We confess, O God, that we have been too tolerant of violence and murders. We have gone cold about persons being killed. We reluctantly raise our voices and engage in meaningful action only when it is someone close to us who has been killed. We have not placed a high premium on life. We have been fearful of violent people who are in high and low places.

We thank You that our lives have been spared to behold this new day.

We pray for families who are hurting because of the untimely and brutal death of a loved one. We pray that your grace and mercy will help them cope with the reality of that unnecessary death.

We pray especially for the Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hartley Lewin, and his team, that they will have the wisdom and courage to deal with the monster of murder in our midst. We pray that as a people, we will cooperate with all who work toward the reduction of this high murder rate.

Lord, clean out the bad habits, the prejudice, the revengeful spirit and murderous intent that we harbour. Open our beings to the free flow of Your refreshing Spirit. Give us a new vision and hope.

Drive away despair from our politics; revive our dreams of justice; restore our passion for what is good, right, honourable and fair.

Establish Your just and loving rule in Jamaica.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Amen.