One Prayer for the Philippines

“For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no holocaust, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.” Daniel 3:37-38

Father in heaven, our nation is at its low.  Long ago we were a model for our neighbors to look up. But in the past decades, in comparison with other nations, we have been poor watchers looking up to other nations. Our people have been long suffering. Our poverty has clothed our children for generations. Our houses are called streets and slums. Our rich land has been long barren and fruitless. Our lakes and rivers, due to lack of freshness, have stopped refreshing us. Our leaders’ and elders’ lack of vision has directed our lives. Our government and churches have been sick with no prescription. Our infants are tired even before they are born.

It is not because You, our God, has abandoned us. It is not because You, our God, has stopped blessing us. It is not because You, our God, has forsaken us.  It is not because You, our God, has strayed from our nation. We have brought our nation low because of our sins. We have abused our stewardship of Your given resources. We have abused our given freedom. We have turned our backs from You, our God. We have our nation lowly because we have no leaders who find favor in You, our God.  Our leaders have taken their place without You, our God, as their Lord and God. Our leaders have built houses for their own and not a place for us to offer You, our God, the fruits of our blessing.

We come back to You, our God. We humble ourselves before You. We confess our sins that cross our generations in the past and in the future. We bask in Your mercy because You, our God, is slow to anger and abounding in love. Forgive our iniquities. Cleanse our hearts and cleanse our nation. Change our hearts and change our nation. Bring revival in our hearts and soul. Bring restoration in our villages and cities.

Raise up for us leaders who will find refuge and strength in You alone, our God. Call men and women who fear You, our God, to courageously lead our nation out from our desert.  Anoint Your chosen children who will rise up and march us on towards Your promise for our land.  Elevate men and women of moral governance who will depend in You, our God, and not on their power or authority. Bring us to unity under Your Lordship.

Father in heaven, reclaim our nation. Take Your place in our land. Be enthroned in our midst. Be our King and God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.