Shine on!

Dear Lord,

Thank you very much for this long and fruitful day!

Though tired, my spirit is rejoicing in the works of Your hands. Truly, every moment of my life is filled with Your love and mercy. Each day and each night is full of amazing manifestations of Your presence and guidance. You have blessed me with so many wonderful friends and acquaintances who are helping me grow more like You, Lord. I pray for them all - You know them by name and all that is in their hearts. Bless them and send them Your Holy Spirit so that they may be strengthened and filled with the wisdom they need to face the challenges and opportunities of each day.

Honor and glory and praise be to You, forever!

Amen.

The Parable of the Revealed Light

"No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."

- Luke 8:16-18 (NKJV)

prIde with a capital I

TIRED

... was when I had to walk under the pouring rain from the EDSA highway to the place where I work near Don Bosco Makati because I had no idea that there was a jeepney strike that day and the FX driver forgot to drop us off at SM so he had to stop in the middle of the road so we could get off and go our way.

TIRED

... is waking up at 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning to get myself ready for the day, preparing my things for work, cooking my breakfast and lunch, commuting for about half an hour to 45 minutes (walking in between riding three different vehicles, passing by three different routes, with different passengers coming and going), working from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, commuting for about an hour and a half (walking in between waiting in line and riding three different vehicles, passing by three different routes, with different passengers coming and going), doing the dishes by hand upon coming home, cleaning up a little, hand-washing my clothes (blouses, jeans, socks, handkerchiefs..) in the bathroom and hanging them there aka doing the laundry, eating dinner (if I still have energy left), and reading a few pages (if my eyes haven't closed by themselves yet) before getting ready to sleep.

But even more TIRED

... is having a heavy heart after a heated argument with your mom over the weekend upon getting back from grocery shopping, causing her to cut the family's visit to the condo short, and crying yourself to sleep after doing all you had to do for the day and waking up the next morning not wanting to do anthing but eventually getting on with the day's activities.

Prayer for a healthy heart:

Lord,

HEAL thy HEART.

Amen.

Part of You

Color My Life, Lord

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

White is for the beginning

Plain, simple, and true

Waiting for the Light to strike

Revealing colors we never knew

Blue and green are for nature

The calmness of the soul

A refreshment for the spirit

In which we are made whole

We also need some spark of hope

To guide us on our way

A flame’s orange and yellow

We must bring along day by day

Black and purple are for reflections

Many faithful times of prayer

For life is not without trials

Or burdens we must bear

Pink and red and a million others

Are for love and all that is good

Color my life wonderfully, Lord,

For from Thy palette I understood

Today, the company I work for celebrates it's 10th anniversary. I am very joyful to be a part of its milestone. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless it and all the people involved especially those who give their faithful time and effort at work and those who receive the fruits of those endeavors. For its mission and vision... to God be the glory!

Let's start the month right.

Smile in my heart

Happiness

Arthur Bennett

from The Valley of Vision

O Lord,

Help me never to expect any happiness

from the world, but only in thee.

Let me not think that I shall be more happy

by living to myself,

for I can only be happy if employed for thee,

and if I desire to live in this world

only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me.

Teach me

that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee,

I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself.

Help me to desire the spirit and temper of angels

who willingly come down to this lower world

to perform thy will,

though their desires are heavenly,

and not set in the least upon earthy things;

then I shall be of that temper I ought to have.

Help me not to think of living to thee

in my own strength,

but always to look to and rely on thee

for assistance.

Teach me that there is no greater truth than this,

that I can do nothing of myself.

Lord, this is the life that no unconverted man

can live,

yet it is an end that every godly soul

presses after;

Let it be then my concern to devote myself

and all to thee.

Make me more fruitful and more spiritual,

for barrenness is my daily affliction and load.

How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly

with little done to good purpose!

I need thy help:

O may my soul sensibly depend upon thee

for all sanctification,

and every accomplishment of thy purposes

for me, for the world,

and for thy kingdom.

It has been a very productive and meaningful week. Most of the time I no longer notice how many days, or weeks, or months has gone by. In spite of the busy schedule and important things to do, I would like to share this prayer with you. 

I thank God that I have in my heart a HAPPINESS that only He could give. May you embrace that happiness, too. Always.

In Christ alone

Today is God's day and there is much to be remembered.

Semana Santa or Holy Week begins today, Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the people greeted Jesus with palm branches or palaspas while exclaiming "Hosanna in the highest!" and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." (Sadly, these very same people were the ones who cried out, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" when Pontius Pilate asked the crowd what they wanted to do with Jesus of Nazareth.)

Moreover, today is Alay Kapwa Sunday or Caritas Sunday in the Philippines. Caritas, the Latin for charity, is the Christian concept of spiritual and brotherly love - a love for all people. This year's national theme emphasizes 'citizenship building and solidarity towards a culture of peace and integrity of creation'.

Yes, these are big events that should be given important notice. While that is true, I remember something more important for me today. I remember who I am - that I am saved through Jesus Christ and that in Christ alone, I am complete.

Lord Jesus,

I come before you at this moment in awe and wonder of your might and mercy. Truly, there is none like you in heaven or earth! We are, indeed, exceedingly blessed to have your unconditional love. May your name be proclaimed as Lord and Savior all over the world as we remember your suffering, death, and resurrection.

I ask for forgiveness, Lord, for all that I have done against you. Forgive me, a sinner, for my failure to abide by your commandments. With every sin, I have crucified You over and over. I have been weak. Forgive me, for I knew exactly what I was doing. This servant is asking for mercy. Send me your Holy Spirit that I may be strengthened and to grow not weary of wearing the armor of righteousness. Be by my side as I go through this earthly life for I stumble and I fall. Be my light and be my fire. Let my heart be filled with your Spirit that I may never run out of hope as I run the race. In times of difficulty and great temptation, Lord, let me remember who I am and what I am here for.

Thank you for waking me up this morning with the rays of the glorious sun and with the sound of the chirping birds. The sky was so blue and the earth so alive - I woke up with a smile on my face. You have always filled my days with everything good, only I fail to recognize it some of the time. Have patience with me, my Teacher and Lord, for I am still learning. Help me to see through your eyes and to listen for your voice that I may not fall victim to all things worldly.

The stars are shining down on me tonight. As I gaze at them, Lord, I could feel that you're just within my reach. Watch over me and half of the world that lay in slumber. Watch over the rest who marvel at the work of your hands in daylight. May they not only feel the sun's warmth but the warmth of your love in their hearts and souls.

All this I ask in your mighty name, Jesus.

Amen.

Sing a prayer

While I'm Waiting

John Waller

Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait. Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

-John Waller

I’m waiting

I’m waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I’m waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting

I will serve You

While I’m waiting

I will worship

While I’m waiting

I will not faint

I’ll be running the race

Even while I wait

I’m waiting

I’m waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I’m waiting on You, Lord

Though it’s not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting

I will serve You while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting

I will serve You while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Most of life and growing up involves waiting. Joyce Meyer said, "I have discovered that patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." More often than not, it is easier said than done. Nevertheless, I will do my best.

Pray for the Philippines

Let's pray for our country everyday! 

We at Papemelroti believe in the power of prayer and it's something we can all do, to help bring restoration and healing to the many challenges we face as a nation. We encourage you to re-copy this prayer, print it out, get copies of it at our branches ('til supplies last) and post it at your offices, schools, churches and organizations.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance."

- Psalm 33:12

PRAYER FOR THE NATION

Dearest Lord,

We praise and thank You for calling us to be Your people. We thank You for the times of triumph despite the ongoing challenges we face as a nation, knowing You have been with us always.

Have mercy for our failures, Lord, and make us into a people who will not forget You. Give us the grace to grow in love, service and obedience to Your laws.

We pray for our nation - strengthen and defend us in our daily battles. Help us to fight for our country by being good citizens and being part of the solution. Keep safe our families and the Godly values we hold dear.

We pray for our people - that we may grow united in love and appreciation for who we are as Filipinos. May we extend a hand to each other in selfless giving even when we feel we are the ones in need. Teach us to choose our leaders well.

We pray for our leaders - give them Your heart and wisdom to govern humbly and justly. Make them worthy examples of righteousness for the youth to emulate. We claim Your victory in our land Lord!

In Jesus' name. Amen.

I am overjoyed to have come across this prayer at the Papemelroti site! With the shadow of the 2010 elections upon us, we as citizens of our beloved Pearl of the Orient should start letting our voices be heard. Like raindrops on still water, let us make ripples of change in our nation. There is strength in number and power in prayer. Join me in prayer at 9:00 in the evening everyday - for the Philippines... for the Filipinos.

It's time to spread the word.

Lead me, Lord

It's been almost a year since I graduated from college and I have to say that it's been an interesting, although sometimes frustrating, experience no longer having a definite path laid out before me. For the longest time, it seemed that whenever I'd find myself at a crossroads, the next step for me is readily indicated in a huge billboard that I can't miss. After I finished elementary, it was time to move on to high school. Four years later, I was on my way to college. Now that I'm an certified alumna, what's next? Work and further studies. But in what field? Where? When? Gone are the directive billboards. They've been replaced by the signpost with so many arrows pointing to so many directions.

I talked to one of my close friends from the university last evening and our conversation was a mixture of sorts: a trip down memory lane (more than anything else), an evaluation of the present, and a glimpse of the future. When we said goodbye, though feeling happy that we talked, I felt an uncertainty in myself. Oftentimes, I get that feeling - the feeling of having stood still while the rest of the world has gone forward.

I was browsing my files and folders when I stumbled upon one of the videos I made for Social Teachings of the Church class in my senior year in college. My groupmates and I had to present a report; before we began, I played this video I made for our opening prayer. The song featured in it is "Lead Me, Lord" sung by one of my favorite Filipino artists, Gary Valenciano. (The pictures included aren't mine. Some of them are from friends while the others are from the internet.)

My spirit rejoices in finding this video and listening to the song after a long time. I would like to say I am not lost afterall but that, perhaps, I have merely lost my way. So I pray to God, "Lead me, Lord".

A Wake-up Call

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

Matthew 18:19-20

I have decided to create this series in an effort to reach out to people and encourage them to commit to a prayerful life. I am not, by any means, an expert on prayer but I strongly believe that I can do something about it. I have posted a link All About Prayer, which I highly recommend that you visit.

When I was in high school, I read the book "God, Please Save Me" by Sister Mary Rose McGeady of Covenant House, a well-known agency for runaway teens that's based in Manhattan. I wish I could read the book one more time but I do not have it anymore. Written inside was a message telling me to pass the book to someone else after I am done reading it... and I did.

The book has a huge impact in my life. I never forgot the story found on its inside back cover. I do not know who the author of the story is but I saw myself in it and realized that God was talking to me.

On the street, I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I became angry and said to God: 'Why did you permit this? Why don't you do something about it?'

For a while God said nothing.

That night however, he replied quite suddenly: 'I certainly did something about it. I made you.'

Wow. We are here to be instruments of God. There is so much we can do in this world. In fact, evidence of furthering the kingdom of heaven on earth is everywhere. The amount of campaigns and programs, fund-raising events and concerts, walks and runs, seminars and talks for a specific cause blows me away. As a student leader and active volunteer throughout my schooling years, I am overwhelmed by the zeal of the people all around me.

Even now, I often find myself wishing to make a difference or dreaming to do something great. (Perhaps, you are, too.) Now I realize that I need not 'wish' or 'dream'. I have to PRAY. Of the million and one things we can do to help others and reach out to people, we have forgotten this very simple yet powerful word: PRAYER.

Only recently has it dawned on me that a dedicated PRAYER life is something sorely lacking in our lives (including mine). When was the last time you went to church and knelt down to pray? Or when was the last time you were on your bedside, head bowed and kneeling in prayer?

The last time I felt that I truly prayed - with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength - was at the lowest point of my life in college. Late one afternoon, when our class was finally dismissed, I went to the university church, sat on the last pew and slowly got to my knees. As I faced the altar, I put my hands together and prayed to God. The moment I closed my eyes, tears streamed down my face. I was so burned out - exhausted from all that I do - and I felt as if the fire of life has gone out of me. I cried. Lord, I am tired. Please, give me rest. I cannot remember how I long I stayed there. All I know is I wanted to talk to God because He listens.

That was almost two years ago. God answered that prayer. I have in me a renewed passion to live - and to bring glory to Him. I read my Bible and a devotional daily. At night, I include in my prayers those posted in The Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Calendar 2009. I am also keeping a prayer journal.

My intention in creating this blog is to encourage you to live a life of prayer. Develop a habit of setting a specific time when you could talk to God and follow this daily. (If you can set time to talk to clients, colleagues, friends and family.. how much more for your Heavenly Father?) Remember to praise and thank Him when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep. You can talk to Him whenever and wherever. Read your Bible, too. It is the source of many great prayers.

There are many websites and online communities, including your local churches and groups, that foster a solid tie among prayer warriors. I have posted links to various sources, which I find very helpful in this personal mission. As no man is and can ever be an island, I firmly believe there is strength in numbers. I pray all of these will be of great help to you.

If you want to live a prayerful life and need encouragement, you can e-mail me and I will pray for you.

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker."

Psalm 95:6