Nelson Mandela family hold prayers for a peaceful and perfect end to his life Prayers have been held for Nelson Mandela. Photo: Getty Source: News Limited PRAYERS for a "peaceful and perfect end" for Nelson Mandela have been held with his family at his hospital as the anti-apartheid icon remains in a critical condition. Cape Town's Archbishop Thabo Makgoba lead Mandela's close family members in prayer last night. He called for a "quiet night and a peaceful, perfect end" for the former President and freedom fighter. Today is Mandela's 19th day in hospital and his condition has gone from serious to critical as family members maintain a bedside vigil. Archbishop Makgoba prayed that Mandela's family may face their grief. "Guide the medical staff so that they may know how to use their skills wisely and well in caring for Madiba and keeping him comfortable," Archbishop Makgoba said in the prayers. May we be filled with gratitude for all the good that he has done for us and for our nation and may we honour his legacy through our lives. Grant Madiba eternal healing and relief from pain and suffering . There is now a real feeling in South Africa that it is time for Mandela to go with many of the well wishers placing tributes at the hospital saying that his time has come.