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Pray for the Post-Pandemic Recovery of Our Nation

Pray for the Post-Pandemic Recovery of Our Nation

  • November 23, 2022

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, the Philippine delegation was led by President Marcos, where he advocated for policies on food and energy security, as well as climate change adaptation. And earlier this week, US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Manila for a series of engagements, including meetings with our national leaders on the economic and security ties between our two countries. Economic recovery through food security and strong international relations are key initiatives pursued by the current administration. 

Reports state that the nation’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2022. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, our gross domestic product rose to 7.6% in the three months through September compared to the 6.2% estimate of economic experts. 

Speak hope and blessing to our nation during this season. Let us continue to pray for the advancement of both international relations and sustenance of our nation’s economic growth. 

The world economy may be experiencing a recession, but in God’s economy, we declare provision for every need. Jesus reminds us in Luke 12: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. . . . For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.” 

May we be reminded of the faithfulness of God during this time—that He is a good Father. In Him, we do not need to be anxious, and instead, we can experience peace. God is our hope, our Jehovah Jireh who provides. 

May the ultimate provision of having Christ be the anchor for every changing season.

PRAYER POINTS

  1. Pray that God’s hand will continue to be felt and seen in our nation in this time of post-pandemic recovery. May economic improvement be felt by our fellow countrymen in the days to come and may the progress continue as our nation prepares for 2023 and a post-pandemic reality.  
  2. Pray for the action plans from the recent international meetings of our president, that they may result in more jobs, investments, and opportunities for the Philippines.
  3. Pray for Filipinos to see God as a faithful provider, and that they may respond in faith instead of worry, and with hope instead of fear for the future.
  4. Pray that we will continue to fix our eyes on Jesus and honor Him through our lives.

To learn more about the current situation in our nation, you can read the resources in the links below.

Pray for the Current Sugar Crisis

Pray for the Current Sugar Crisis

  • August 24, 2022

Our country is currently facing a sugar shortage. The retail price of sugar has now gone beyond PHP 100 per kilogram, and this inevitably triggers an increase in the prices of processed foods and beverages. Recent data has shown that this has also resulted in the growth of the inflation rate to 6.4% in July. 

Poverty incidence in the Philippines in 2021 has risen to 18.1%, where about 20 million Filipinos are considered to be living below the poverty line. More than 1 million families are also considered ‘food poor,’ meaning that they are unable ‘to acquire or consume an adequate or sufficient quantity of food in socially acceptable ways, or uncertain that they will be able to do so.’

The thought of being in lack or not having enough to meet our basic needs may bring fear to most of us, but let us always remember that God is the sustainer of life. How God has faithfully fed the birds in the air and clothed the grass of the field, this He will do and so much more for His children (Matthew 34:26–29).

As we continue to put our trust in God for provision and believe that He knows our needs even before we ask, let us be a blessing and pray for our nation. Especially for our leaders who will make the decisions regarding our economy. Even in times of lack, we can be a blessing.

PRAYER POINTS

  1. In this time of rising inflation and economic insecurity, pray that Filipinos will put their trust and hope in God as the faithful provider and sustainer of life.
  2. Pray for wisdom for government officials and policymakers as they guide the nation out of this crisis.
  3. Pray for the government, planters, millers, traders, and industrial consumers. May they work together for the common good of the Filipino people.

To learn more about the current situation in our nation, you can read the resources in the links below.

Pray for Our Economy Amidst the Rising Oil Prices

Pray for Our Economy Amidst the Rising Oil Prices

  • March 29, 2022

Since January this year, we’ve seen uninterrupted increases in the price of fuel that prove problematic for consumers and motorists. But recently, oil companies have announced a rollback in the prices of petroleum products. 

As the tension between Russia and Ukraine continues, we expect the downtrend to be reversed. Though the decline in the global oil prices resulted in the latest reduction, it might be temporary. The International Energy Agency warned of a supply shortage as Western countries consider cutting off Russian oil from the rest of the world as part of its sanctions.

The trend in our oil prices shows that nothing in this world is permanent. Sometimes, looking at trends brings fear of the future. Mainly when another crisis follows one breakthrough, this affirms God’s people’s role in chaos, wars, high prices of oil, and worries about the future. Yet, we believe that there will always be a reason to hope.

As God’s people, we know that He will continue to use His Church as salt and light and be a blessing to others. We might feel that what is happening is out of control, but God is in control. Nothing can dethrone God. He is sovereign, and His purposes cannot be thwarted.

We know that God shakes the things that can be shaken, so that only those that cannot be shaken shall remain. This is not the first time we have seen rebuilding after shaking. In Haggai 2:6–8, we can see how God has shaken all nations so that the treasures of all nations shall come in to His house.

“For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.”

While we may not know the time and the season when all of the crises will end, we have the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be God’s witnesses in our city, province, nation, and to the ends of the earth. We can be the house of prayer for the nations as a church. We can stand in the gap and continue to declare and proclaim the word of God in our church. 

May we be the people who will bring help and profess hope to our nation. May we be the ones who will rise as an extension of God’s hands and feet to the community. All these things we can do because we understand that God is with us and His peace reigns over us. God is in control, and He knows how everything will end. 

Today, we will pray, not because it is the last resort, but because it is our only resort.

PRAYER POINTS

  1. Pray for the peace of God to rest in our hearts as we go through crises.
  2. Pray for economic recovery despite the rising cost of fuel and goods. 
  3. Pray for boldness to preach the gospel wherever we are and whatever situation we are in.

To learn more about the current situation in our nation, you can read the resources in the links below.