Operation GAP - Getting Answers Through Prayer - will hold the first ever Territorial Week of Prayer beginning Monday and ending July 12.

Sponsored by the St. Thomas-St. John Fellowship of Ministries, the Week of Prayer is a response to the recent increase of crime in the territory.

Pastor Robert Nelson of the St. Thomas-St. John Fellowship of Ministries says the idea for the Week of Prayer came form the scripture of 2nd Chronicles, chapter 7, verse 14 that states, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

"The entire week is for the healing of the land. We will be praying against violence, praying for prosperity as the government is in a kind of financial crisis. The real emphasis is against the crime and violence, and pulling down the stronghold of the enemy in our territory," said Pastor Nelson.

The week begins Monday with a Day of Prayer, Fasting and Repentance.

"Christians all over the territory are asked to fast and pray," said Pastor Nelson.

For those participating, there will be an end of the day group gathering at 7:30 p.m. at Church of God of Prophecy.

On Tuesday, Pastors are scheduled to pray over the territory by plane at 9 a.m. Prayer by Air Day is being led by Pastor Alger Warren.

Wednesday is a Prayer By Government Workers Day. Churches will be open until 1 p.m. for interested individuals to come in and pray.

Participating churches include the Frenchtown Evangelic Assembly, the Church of God of Prophecy and Tutu Holiness Church, though many others will also be open during that time.

"The idea was designed to facilitate government employees who want to go out during their lunch hour and pray," said Pastor Nelson.

The Caribbean Dream will leave at 7 a.m. from the Frederick's Ferry Terminal on the East End of St. Thomas to accommodate those who wish to participate in Prayer by Sea Day. The boat, which has been donated for the occasion, can hold up to 50 passengers and will be traveling around St. Thomas and St. John for prayer at sea until noon.

Friday is Multi-Media Prayer Day. Though nothing has been finalized as of yet, plans are in the works for prayers to be recited over the radio and on local televisions stations throughout the day, as well as to be printed in the local newspapers.

On Saturday, Prayer Walking Day, several prayer walks will be led throughout the islands beginning at 5:30 a.m. Individuals looking to find a group in their community should contact Pastor Nelson at 513-0924.

On Sunday, an hour will be set aside for prayer in churches between 11 a.m. and noon.

"It's just a matter of changing the format of services," said Pastor Nelson.

At 5 p.m., the week will come to a climax in a Victory Celebration in Emancipation Garden.

Nelson said organizers are asking all persons affected by gun violence in the territory to attend the celebration.

For more information, contact Pastor Nelson at 513-0924 or Pastor Toi Thomas at 643-1372.

- Contact reporter Genevieve Ryan at 774-8772 ext. 340 or e-mail gryan@dailynews.vi.