The Editor, Sir:

I have been following with interest the talk about divine intervention being needed in the nation, with much emphasis to the need for prayer and fasting, and union between State and Church. I would like to bring focus to a particular promise from God, which says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

In this promise, there is a combination of actions that are required and any omission will make the promise unfulfilled. There is much talk about praying; but I would like to place emphasis on the matter of turning from wicked ways.

I want us to be very practical and serious about this. If we are going to pray and seek God's face, then we must believe that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. In the same context, we must believe the word of God, and through faith, believe His promises to come true and through!

Therefore, I am calling on all of God's people to begin by searching themselves and identifying their wicked ways. Let us be honest with ourselves and resolve to turn from these wicked ways. These include selfishness and greed, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, sedition, heresy, envy, murder, drunkenness. So, while we are engaged in prayer, remember that God requires a turning from wicked ways. Then and only then will He intervene and heal our land.

I am, etc.,

HOWARD STONE

Willowdene, Spanish Town

St Catherine