"We do not have to depend entirely on miracles. If what you teach in this church and in all the churches across Jamaica; if the principles that are found in the Bible would somehow take deeper route and capture the hearts and minds of more people in Jamaica, then we would become our own miracle," the prime minister said.

Praying

Golding was speaking at a Seventh-day Adventist Praise Reunion and Thanksgiving Service at Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Catherine on Saturday.

Jamaica started the New Year in similar fashion to how it ended 2008 with many persons looking over their shoulders and praying they do not become the victims of dangerous crimes.

More than 1,600 people were murdered last year and already approximately 15 people have been murdered this year.

Be steadfast

Golding has asked the Church to be steadfast in helping to create a quality society and he lauded their efforts aimed at restoration and peace.

"I encourage you to assert that power. Exert that influence to reach out, to make us recognise that no matter how hard the work, no matter how difficult the task may be and no matter how challenging the circumstances this year are, there is a power that if we reach out to that power and humble ourselves, we can overcome all obstacles," Golding said.