DEAR LORD:

I thank you that I live in a democratic country and not under a dictatorship as is the case of people living in communist countries like Cuba, China and North Korea.

But Lord, sometimes one wonders if living in a democracy is all that good.

Lord, when I look at the electoral options that we Jamaicans have, it makes me hope, Lord, that today will be the day of your Second Coming.

Sometimes, Lord, the choice on the ballot is akin to choosing between a murderer and a rapist, or like choosing between being shot or stabbed. Lord, clearly there has got to be a better way.

Lord, up to Friday October 11, 757 persons had been killed.

I need hardly remind you Almighty One, seeing that you are all-knowing, that up to now, the Israeli-Palestinian uprising, which began about two years ago, have not quite reached our tally of loss of lives during the same period.

Lord, when I think of some of the harsh things King David wished on those who practised evil, all I have to say is that the man romp 'ruff.'

Yet, Lord, you know David is my mentor and all, so I feel justified to emulate him by chanting a few imprecations for the wicked people in the politics thing. And, Lord, I think you will still regard me as a good Christian. After all, David was a man after your own heart..

Well, Lord, for all the politicians who have issued illegal guns to their supporters, especially for this electoral campaign, may they not enter Gordon House after October 16 or at any time in the future.

But, Lord, relieve them of their sanity and like a Shepherd lead and confine them for a long, long time to a specially assigned dormitory on the green pastures of the Bellevue Hospital.

For the gunmen who foolishly carry out the evil will of politicians, make them, Lord, like the street people who walk up and down the place naked.

Lord, we weep at the loss of lives and the injuries that have been inflicted since the election date has been announced.

SOLIDARITY WITH THE OPPRESED

Several communities, Lord, have set up barricades to protect themselves from marauders. Lord, help us Christians not to miss this opportunity to be in solidarity with these oppressed neighbourhoods - if it is even for churches to do a prayer walk where we can help to tear down the strongholds of satan in these communities.

But, Lord, as you give grace to the churches, do remind us Christians of the need to tear down the 'garrison areas' that exist in churches. For, Lord, if we do that, your name will get the glory and our credibility will be enhanced.

Lord, Jamaicans are sick and tired of corruption in Government, the waste of tax dollars and unnecessary burdening of future generations with the national debt.

For those who with their two eyes wide open seek to defraud the nation of its wealth, I pray that you might send creditors to seize all they have, and may strangers plunder the fruits of their labour, for Lord we yearn for better financial stewardship of the nation's finances.

Lord, bring about those changes in our Constitution that would serve to protect politicians from themselves, and which would protect the poorest of us from the injustices that the state and agents of the state inflict on the poorest.

Yet, Lord I must confess that both Christians and non-Christians have been party to much of the corruption, and fiscal waste that I now complain about. Help us, Lord, to practise uprightness in our personal lives so that we can speak authoritatively concerning the governance of the country.

Lord, why is it that an election often serves to reflect some of the low self-esteem we have as a people, that we risk our lives by allowing our bodies to protrude through buses travelling to political rallies?

Lord, thank you for the promise of the Police Commissioner and the wisdom of the EAC and the Political Ombudsman to seek a ban on motorcades.

HIGHER VISION OF SELF

Jesus, give party supporters a higher vision of themselves that they will loudly boo when their political leaders say something unwholesome or intimidatory especially when what is spoken is essentially a war cry.

Lord, give us a higher vision of ourselves that we will not settle for less than full confession of wrongdoing from those who would want to say they have abandoned 'old-time politics.'

Lord, help us to remember how seriously it is to have blood on one's shoulders.

For, Lord, we remember that even your servant King David (man after your own heart), was told by you that he would not be allowed to build your temple because he had been a man of war.

Lord, help us to remember that those with blood on their shoulders don't deserve to be in Gordon House.

Lord, give us a higher vision of ourselves so that we might call rascals by their proper name and not fool ourselves by designating such as 'area leaders' or 'community leaders'.

And when these dons would seek to have sex with unwilling girls, especially those who are under the age of consent, Lord, inflict that punishment on them that is worse than death itself.

Yea, Lord cause their penises to lose vim, vigour and vitality so that they will become the laughing stock of the community and that when these rascals shall talk of upliftment it will only be in reference to the masses.

GIVE US COURAGE

Lord, Jamaicans deserve to hear the truth, for it's only truth that sets the soul free and brings closure.

Give those who would rule from Gordon House after October 16, the courage to establish a Truth Commission so that the soul of the nation can experience a cleansing.

Lord, intervene in the affairs of Jamaica, demonstrate again Lord that you are sovereign in the whole earth.

Rule with justice Lord, but as you do, remember mercy.

Provide an opportunity for repentance before the coming of your certain judgment.

Amen.

Mark Dawes is a Senior Staff Reporter. Send feedback to dawesmark@hotmail.com.