A 24 hour pray-a-thon and a convoy of worshippers in cars are among the plans leading up to Bermuda's fourth annual national day of prayer on September 10.

Unveiling the schedule of events yesterday, Bishop Neville Smith, of the Radnor Road Christian Fellowship, said families, the Government and churches are in need of support to change the Island for the better.

He reflected on recent events, which have included the deaths of three young people in violent circumstances so far this year, as a particular reason for prayers at this time. However, he stressed: "We're asking you to come together not for a heaviness of heart, but for a change to take place. We want to remind Bermuda that God loves you."

Starting at 6 p.m. this evening at Albouy's Point in Hamilton, churches from across the Island will be praying for an hour at a time for a total of 24 hours.

On Sunday, a "prayer caravan" will leave from Dockyard at 6 p.m. and drive the length of the Island to St. David's.

"I don't know if there's been one quite like this before. This means you can bring your cars. You will drive from Dockyard to St. David's and all the people in their cars will be praying all the way down," explained the Bishop.

The main event, the national day of prayer, kicks off at 6 a.m. on September 10 with every church invited to participate in an hour-long session at their own venues.

In addition, Bishop Smith suggested that workers who start early can ask employers to let them participate in the Island-wide act of worship in their offices.

"Where you pray is not important. It's that you pray," he remarked.

At 12 noon on that date there will be prayers on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton bringing young people and churches together.

Events will culminate with a gathering at Victoria Park in the city, or the Heritage Worship Centre if it rains.

"Bring your chairs and relax in the park but also engage with us as we pray for Bermuda with one voice throughout the land," he urged.

"You don't have to be Christian. We just want you to come."