Close your eyes, bow your heads

It’s so refreshing how the city streets have toned down after the holidays. There is less music. In places where music plays, it’s not as loud as before. There seem to be fewer people going about downtown streets. There seems to be lighter traffic. There seems to be fewer cars on the roads. It’s still busy, but not as busy as before. It feels like the whole city decided to take a breather from all the parties, shopping, dining, reunions and going here and there in the past weeks. It is just so refreshing. I’m a bit surprised that every accomplice and accessory in this community coordinated to take a rest right after the year turned new. I would have totally understood if they still continued to play Jingle Bells loudly and let colorful lights dance on doors and windows and sold kid’s toys at the plazas. Every merchant has to grab that business opportunity. But, I guess, everyone needs to take arrest this time.

What chaos awaits us this year?

Some turn to feng shui, to astrology, resolutions and retreat or year plan and feasibility study. Yet, some take time for prayer and fasting. So, now, I pray.

I pray for the bearers of news, those who declare tidings on the airwaves, on the phone and computer screens, and on that old-fashioned paper. May they not twist the truth for benefit of favor or fund. May they not glorify those who do not deserve it. May they not smear only because someone paid them to do so.

I pray for those in position and those who would want to be in position. Keep them from evil devices of demolition against persons they loathe. I pray for strength for those among them who have purity in heart. Protect them from the wily ways of wolves on the wayside.

I pray for this province. I pray that leaders not only give temporary relief to the constituents. If it would be so, place one in position, who would bring some change. I pray that the common folk may look past the 500 peso bill. I pray that councilman and citizen look past the self and beyond the present.

I pray for the roads. I pray that you raise up craftsmen and constructers to smooth out the highways and pave the potholes. Let not every rider that pass through not shake front to back, and right to left. Keep the thoroughfares from thrashing.

I pray for the skies, the clouds, the elements. Remembering the extreme high temperature from before, I request the waves to be held back. Remembering the rains and floods, I request that the clouds be held back. Keep us from the wavering of the wandering weather.

I pray for the coming campaign. I pray for veracity. I pray against violence. Keep us from those who establish the ego. Make a straight path for those who would bring a torch of virtue. Spare us from the circus of chaos that seek sovereignty of self and not of society.

I pray for the cases charged against the Vice President. We lift an outcry for truth, for justice. Perhaps, it would be rather naïve to ask for peace. Yet, I still ask for peace. Set the books in balance. Let truth blaze bright that even those on her side would not have any choice but to bow head and acknowledge its existence.

I pray for the foreign people who have come to this land to make trade with this games of chance. It has been revealed that they violate virtue and wrong their fellowmen. Keep them from committing even more corruption.

I pray for the nation that considers itself as the Middle Kingdom. Protect our seafarers from their armada that seems to be invincible. Shelter us from deception and distraction. Keep us from drawing battle lines. Bring down the oppressor of the open seas. Protect our fisherfolk who live their trade on the high seas. Protect the fleets who stand guard on the isles. Send wind to push them from our waters. Sen their ships home. Rid the waters to the west of all forms of violence. Let reason overflow like a spring in the minds who give commands on ship maneuvers and cannons that blow water.

I pray for wars that wage between empires and republics, between nations that have borne hatred against each other since ages past. For the invaded villages and rockets that ride the skies to blast city blocks, I pray peace. Topple down the tyrants and terrorists.

I pray for peace and for pieces to be planted on their prime places.

In your name, Lord…

Colossians 4:2 - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.