The Government has launched its week of fasting and prayer to herald the dawn of a new year and to seek God’s protection upon Samoa. 

The annual service was held at Palisi at the Prayer House with the Chairman of the National Council of Churces, retired Reverend Aisoli Iuli leading the service. 

The service was attended by Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II and first lady, Fa'amausili Leinafo Tuimaleali'ifano, Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of Cabinet, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Leaders of the different denominations in Samoa, as well as parliamentarians. 

The Chairman of the N.C.C. reminded the gathering that prayers and fasting are key to all the good things they desire in life. 

He used the story of King Solomon from the Bible as an example, of when King Solomon prayed hard and asked God for wisdom and knowledge to lead his people. 

"However, God gifted him three other things on top of the things he asked for. Not only did he grant the request for knowledge and wisdom; he added riches, wealth, and honour," Reverend Aisoli said.

"Then God asked Solomon to walk in his ways, keep and follow his commandments, as your father David walked, then he would give him life.

"With long life, you know a lot of things because you've lived long enough to see through the things in life. You gain knowledge as you grow and you can obviously see the changes in the lifestyle. 

"Those are all the blessings you get when you pray and seek wisdom and knowledge from God. You get that and much more through fasting and praying to God. 

"You get the blessings when we walk in God's ways and follow his commandments. If we rely on the Lord, he will strengthen our paths."

The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo spoke on behalf of the Government to acknowledge the presence of the special guests who made time to join leaders of the government in uplifting Samoa's journey this year through prayers and fasting. 

He also acknowledged those who took parts in leading the service and the choir. 

The annual week of prayers and fasting in Samoa started over 30 years ago and will conclude on Friday with a service at the Prayer House in Palisi.