Amidst the numerous crises besetting the country, President Benigno Aquino III led the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church faithful in fervent prayer on Friday, Oct. 24, for true and lasting peace in the Philippines springing from a genuine love for God and the pursuit of righteousness.
As the guest of honor of the JIL’s 36th anniversary rites held at the Rizal Park, President Aquino, on behalf of the entire nation, prayed in Filipino and pleaded for divine intervention for the things threatening the country’s security and stability.
“Nguni’t bantad sa inyo, aming Panginoong Hesus, ang mga kasamaang pilit na numananakaw ng kapayapaang ito – gutom , kahirapan at iba’t ibang uri ng karamdaman; maging ang dibisyon sa lipunan, pagnanakaw, pagpatay, pagtutunggali sa kapangyarihan at iba’t ibang kasaamang dulot ng kasakiman,” the President said.
“…Biyayaan po ninyo ng tunay na kapayapaan ang aming bayan. Tunay na kapayapaang nagmumula sa inyong dakilang pag-ibig – na nagbubuklod, na kayang pagaanin ang pasanin ng aming bansa, kayang magbigay ng pag-asa sa aming bayan, at kayang palakasin ang aming bisig,” he petitioned.
He acknowledged that without the Almighty’s presence in the situation “ay hindi namin makakamit ang tunay na kapayapaan. Kapayapaang matagal na po naming ipinaglalabang makamit ng aming bayan.”
Following President Aquino’s prayer, Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, JIL Spiritual Director, thanked the Chief Executive and noted that “we are exceedingly blessed for no less than our President is here to pray for our nation.
“This reminds us of biblical leaders like King David and King Solomon and US presidents like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln who interceded on behalf of their country and people.”
In keeping with the scriptural command for believers to pray for their government leaders, Bro. Eddie asked the JIL people at the Quirino Grandstand to extend their hands in blessing to the President.
The JIL leader asked for God to give the President wisdom and good health in leading the country and blessing in all areas, including his lovelife, drawing an amused smile from Aquino.
Sealing the prayers was a prophetic gesture, with Pastor Bong Gonzales, JIL International Operations head for North America Hemisphere, leading 35 others in releasing 36 doves – one for every year of the JIL’s existence – into the air.
“The doves are not only a sign of peace but symbols of the Holy Spirit that our prayer for peace and righteousness will come to pass,” Gonzales said.
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