Many gather for national day of prayer in capital city

Thousands of believers turned out before sunrise this morning, packing Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby for the National Day of Prayer and Repentance.

Some arrived as early as 7pm last night and prayed through until morning, with the stadium filled with worship and prayer throughout the night.

What set this gathering apart was the rare public alignment of political power and church leadership, with Prime Minister James Marape expected to deliver the keynote address shortly.

Several members of Parliament, including the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, were already in attendance.

The event carries the theme "Resetting PNG Today for a Better Tomorrow in Jesus Christ," drawing on the words of Leviticus 25:10 [NIV]: "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan."

Major church bodies used the occasion to openly name the nation's wounds, corruption, violence, economic hardship, and the need to protect the next generation.

A nationwide chain of prayer began after the speeches, at 8am, with several church leaders who took turns in prayer.

The program was organised by the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion, in partnership with the PNG Council of Churches.