“May our politicians have humble hearts like that of David, that they may repent if they know they have sinned against God and our country.”
This was one of the intentions of the Filipino faithful for Pope Francis, which continue to pour in at Inquirer.net’s “Prayer Wall” less than three months before he visits the country in January.
Another prayer is a heart-wrenching plea:
“My ever dearest Pope Francis, by the time you visit my country next year, I want you to know that all of us here are excited and looking forward for that very day. My prayer is for my family, my conscience-stricken mom who is almost 80 years old. Although she may not accept it, I know deep inside she suffers that because she is tough and strict to some people she dislikes, and worse, she suggested abortion for my sister and me. It hurt us so bad; she is our mother. Sometimes, she wails that my father failed to give her the most that life can offer. She complains so much though she serves the Church, but her heart is full of agony and misery. Please give her peace of mind that our Lord Almighty will forgive her sins. I know I am not in a position to say so but I guess she is in pain not physically but spiritually. I want her and wish for her to be with our God by the time her time on earth will end. It really hurts me—her attitude and character—but I love her so much, I already accepted her, that she was the chosen mother for me…”
User Marienez also prayed “that no one would have to go far just to have decent jobs.”
Another user, identified as Ma, also prayed that the country “be spared from corrupt politicians and officials, from disasters that we cannot handle, and from deadly epidemics like Ebola.”
The “Prayer for the Pope” feature is part of the Inquirer’s 100-day countdown to the papal visit to the country, and a response to Pope Francis’ tweet on his official Twitter account @Pontifex, “Please pray for me,” during the anniversary of his election as the 266th Bishop of Rome.
The question: What is your prayer for the Pope?
“I pray for his good health and longer life,” posted user Nympa.
“I pray that the Pope would always be healthy and happy. [I] hope this is just his first trip [to the Philippines], and that there will be more to come,” said user Kathryn.
Other users prayed for wisdom for the Pontiff. “May the Lord grant Pope Francis unbounded holy wisdom in dispensing his duties and obligations to his flock,” Cherry said. “May the light of love illumine his heart so that he may continue in his unconditional love for all of us.”
“May our Lord always protect him from any harm and from persecution which may arise due to his revolutionary approach in leading the Catholic Church,” said user Zerrina.
Others expressed hope that the Pope’s visit will be instrumental in solving one of the country’s most pressing problems. “I pray that his presence may touch the hearts of our people so that corruption in our country may be reduced, if not totally eliminated,” said user Teodora.
For safety, unity
Readers also prayed for the good health, safety and unity of their own families, as well as the strengthening of their faith.
User Ronillo had a simple prayer: “Please pray for my family, that they be united again.”
“I pray that I can be, in my own way, an instrument of God in the renewal of myself and the world,” said user Dominic. “I pray that God strengthen our family through love and that our faith be strong as we face challenges in life.”
“May God’s love and mercy keep me strong against all that make me sinful and wrong. Amen,” said user Cherry.
“I pray that my family continue to receive blessings and for us not to forget God,” said user Wildeline. “Please pray for my brother and sister, let them be free from their burdens. Amen.”
Readers can still submit their prayers for the Pope through the site www.inquirer.net/popeinPH until January. Kate Pedroso, Inquirer Research
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