BALANGA CITY – There is no stopping Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Balanga from composing different prayers in this time of crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease.
At the start of the Covid–19, the Bataan prelate wrote the prayer for prevention and control of coronavirus to be recited on Sundays. And then, prayers for PUI & PUM on Mondays, for health workers on Tuesdays, for essential service providers on Wednesdays, for government leaders of Bataan on Thursdays, for those who perished during Covid–19 on Fridays.
For Saturdays, Santos wrote a prayer for the men and women in uniform. “It is of great help for us to pray for those serving us, and a call for them to hold on to God, to turn and trust Him all the more,” the bishop said.
“As I go around Bataan and with those checkpoints, I find them very courteous and accommodating. They are helpful and so diligent with their duties. I am thankful to them, the Diocese prays for them,” Santos noted.
“As line of first defense in our fight against the invisible enemy Covid19 and to fulfil their patriotic duty of to protect and to serve, we have also to pray for our dedicated and devoted men and women in uniform,” the prelate said.
Here is the prayer:
“O Loving God, help us as we struggle with unbelief that all these things that are happening is the reality of today’s world. Help us to turn our eyes from ourselves to You and despite these trying times, You can still advance your plans and purposes for us.
We particularly pray for the men and women in uniform who are fighting against the invisible war of Covid–19. Nurture their health and strengthen their weary bodies. Protect them both at work and off work and be with them when they are in need of consoling moments.
We pray for our law enforcers who dedicate their lives keeping peace and order in our society. Grant them the patience necessary that they may exercise maximum tolerance when implementing directives on enhanced lockdowns. Give them the armor of protection so they will be spared from all the dangers of their duties.
We also lift to You all the firemen dispatched on the frontlines of the outbreak as they make themselves available to our community. Cover them with the mantle of your protection as they step up in areas they may be needed.
Finally, we pray for our government officials. Call them to submit to your purpose. Stir them to reject complacency and indifference. Spur them to utilize resources available for their constituents, making sure the funds are being channeled to where they are rightfully appropriated.
Almighty Father, help us now and increase our faith. Come and meet us as we put our confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
