Worshippers took to the roads yesterday for a religious convoy described as Bermuda's first "prayer caravan".

Three bishops led churchgoers of all ages from the West End to St. David's for a journey which organiser Joan Simmons said was designed to bring down the devil.

A convoy of about 75 cars left Dockyard shortly after 5 p.m. after participants stood in the blazing heat singing How Great Thou Art and listening to a prayer from Pastor Diane Tacklyn. The Christian caravan split off into three groups in a bid to cover as much of the Island as possible during the two-hour journey to St. David's Cricket Club.

Mrs. Simmons, chairman of Bermuda National Day of Prayer board, said more vehicles joined on the way, resulting in about 150 cars and as many as 350 people taking part. "We thought that because of all the crime and all that has been happening in Bermuda we could get the churches together to have this prayer caravan and drive into the parishes," Mrs. Simmons said before the caravan set out.

"As you drive, you pray. You know as we have drive-by shootings we are going to have drive-by prayer. As we go into these parishes we are going to be praying.

"We are going to see the devil fall in Bermuda and the church is going to take charge to see the devil fall."

Yesterday's convoy was held in advance of the Island's fourth annual day of prayer on Wednesday (September 10).

Those taking part were given strict instructions not to speak along the way, unless it was to the Lord.

The three bishops taking part yesterday were Neville Smith, Lloyd Duncan and Vernon Lambe. Bishop Smith, from the Radnor Road Christian Fellowship, said: 'The whole idea is to spend as much time in prayer as possible."

On Wednesday, there will be praying on the steps of City Hall at noon and in Victoria Park (or the Heritage Worship Centre if it rains) at 6 p.m., as well as special sessions in churches from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.