MEN OF PRAYER. Maj. Gen. John Bonafos (center) with Brig. Gen. Romeo Labador (left) Deputy commander for operations and Col. Frederick Evans Ramos, Deputy commander for Administration lead soldiers during the National Day of Prayer at Camp Lapu Lapu grounds. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Recognizing the need for God and that human efforts alone are futile amidst natural disasters, the national government led different sectors all over the Philippines in holding the “National Day of Prayer and Solidarity” yesterday.
In Cebu City, soldiers gathered at the open field in Camp Lapu-Lapu in barangay Apas at around 5 p.m. They paused for three minutes to pray with fellow Filipinos for a peaceful and calamity-free Philippines in 2014.
“As we look into the past year, it is hard for us to forget the many challenges that we, the Filipino people have suffered tremendously by the disasters, both natural and man-made. Yet, despite the difficulties that we have gone through, we still are able to survive with the aid of Your grace and we look forward to 2014 with hope and a collective effort for a better nation,” reads the prayer recited by the soldiers.
“We also come to you with humble and contrite hearts admitting that in our own way we have contributed to the miseries of our times and each of us had a share in the erosion of moral values as a people. Give us hearts that are open in compassion and reconciliation to all.” it added.
Fr. Albert Songco, the chaplain of the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), explained that prayer is indispensable if a country longs to find peace and harmony.
Maj. Gen. John Bonafos, commanding general of the AFP Central Command, said: “ We do pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance especially that we expected more challenges in 2014. We always ask the Lord’s intervention in all our undertakings. I hope we will be able to do our share to accomplish the mission with success and do what we ought to do. With God’s guidance, we can surpass the challenges ahead.”
The nationwide prayer with the theme “One Nation in Prayer, Isang Bansa, Isang Panalangin” was meant to remember those who lost their lives to tragic incidents in 2013.