AS we Filipino Christians commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Holy Week, may we also lift up our collective prayers to the altar for a clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections in the Philippines on May 9.
It may feel like Good Friday in this chapter of our nation’s history, with toxic division, lies, disinformation and corrupt political practices threatening the integrity of our elections and the strength of our democracy. Let us pray for God to go before us, work behind the scenes, make our crooked paths straight, smoothen our rough edges, and guide us to do our part in using the power of our vote to elect the leaders who will steer our country in the right direction.
Let us pray for our discernment so we may cast our sacred vote to elect candidates who are faithful and obedient to God, who will lead us through their example of abiding in God’s will of true service for the greater good, and not for their own selfish personal and political interest.
May we choose true public servants who reflect the light, goodness, and mercy of God — leaders who will bring out the best in us so we can all work together, truly united in love and faith for a better, brighter, stronger Philippines — our resurrection as a Filipino people by the grace of God.
Here is the prayer written by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) in English and Filipino.
Leader: Let us pray that the forthcoming national and local elections may truly reflect the will of the Lord who guides the destinies of nations.
For every petition, let us pray together:
Response: Deliver us, Lord.
From coercion, intimidation, violence and terrorism…
From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth…
From bribery, graft and all conspiracy for fraud…
From gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective…
From threats, intimidation and perverse language…
Leader: Let us pray together:
Response: Hear us, Lord
That conscience may always be our ultimate norm…
That the common good may always be our highest goal…
That human dignity may be respected all the time…
That the poor and the weak may always have the priority…
That care for creation may never be ignored…
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development…
That genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public office…
Leader: Let us pray.
Altogether: Shepherd of souls and Savior of the nations, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates bring glory to your loving name and help us grow in holiness, forever and ever. Amen.
In Filipino:
Tagapamuno: Manalangin tayo upang sa papalapit na pambansa at panglokal na halalan ay tunay na maghari ang kalooban ng Diyos, na Siyang gumagabay sa lahat ng bansa.
Sama-sama nating idalangin:
Lahat: Iligtas mo kami, Panginoon.
Mula sa pamimilit, pananakot, karahasan, at terorismo …
Mula sa panloloko, pagsisinungaling, at pagbaluktot sa katotohanan…
Mula sa panunuhol, kasakiman, at sabwatan upang makapandaya…
Mula sa kawalang-muwang sa panlilinlang at makitid na pananaw…
Mula sa pagbabanta, pananakot, at lapastangang pananalita…
Tagapamuno: Sama-sama nating idalangin:
Lahat: Dinggin Mo kami, Panginoon.
Upang ang aming budhi ang siyang gawing tunay na pamantayan…
Upang ang kabutihan ng nakararami ang aming pinakamataas na layunin…
Upang ang dignidad ng tao ay palagiang igalang…
Upang ang kapos-palad at mahihina ay pag-ukulan ng higit na pansin…
Upang ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay hindi ipagwalang-bahala…
Upang ang pagkakaisa ay magbigay-daan sa landas ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran…
Upang ang banal na pagkatakot sa Diyos at pag-ibig sa kapwa ang maging gabay ng mga nagnanais manungkulan sa pamahalaan…
Tagapamuno: Manalangin tayo.
Lahat: Pastol ng aming kaluluwa at Tagapagligtas ng sanlibutan, ang pulitika ay Iyong kaloob sa amin; isang paanyaya upang maglingkod sa iba at lumago sa kabanalan. Gabayan Mo ang pulitika sa aming bansa katulad ng pag-gabay mo sa amin. Nawa ang aming pulitikal na pakikilahok para sa mga botante at kandidato ay magdulot ng kaluwalhatian sa Iyong mahal na ngalan at matulungan din kaming yumabong sa kabutihan, ngayon at magpasawalang hanggan. Amen.
HAPPY EASTER!
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at [email protected], or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos
