(A prayer from Sen. Jovito R. Salonga)
Our Loving, Heavenly Father:
Even as we celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of this Church, we pray for all the members of this fellowship.
We pray for all children, that they may have a happy childhood and that we do not give them a bad example or teach them how to hate, but that we may lead them to know the truth that will set them free.
We pray for our young people, whose lives lie ahead of them, that they may go forward with open and receptive minds to meet their future, that they may learn to live with life’s uncertainties and disappointments, that they may learn to accept themselves as they are, and not to be discouraged or lose heart.
We pray, dear Lord, for those who are in the springtime of life, that their lives may be fruitful, that they may not be proud or self-seeking, but that they may learn to be humble, seeking always the welfare and good of others.
We pray for those who are in the cold twilight of their lives, that despite their waning strength, they may not feel being left behind but still put their experience and their love to good use in the service of others;
We pray for those among us who are afflicted with illness, for those who are anxious and worried and afraid, that they may walk with You so that as they reach the end of their journey, they may be imbued with hope and faith and love and the blessed assurance of eternal life.
Dear Lord, we often wonder what is happening to our country. Our hearts and minds grieve over some leaders of this land who play God with the lives of others, cleverly twisting half truths to attain more power and more wealth. Save us from our sinful selves, dear Lord.
Many, many years ago, You gave our forebears pure air, green hills and forests and clean rivers but some of us have selfishly grabbed the gifts of Your bounty. In our selfishness and greed, we never really learned how to care for one another, particularly the poorest of the poor, the sick, and the thousands of our people who are homeless, hungry and forgotten. We are smothered in the waste of our self-centered living. Teach us, our gracious, loving God, how to care once again for one another, remembering what You said – “Inasmuch as you have done this unto the least of your brethren, you have also done it unto me.”
In Jesus name, Amen.