Pubdate: Sun, 21 Aug 2016
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2016, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921

A PRAYER FOR THE NATION

They are also right in calling for divine intervention in the lives 
of addicts so they may find strength in shaking off their dependency 
on drugs. No doubt prayer works, but there is no secret formula that 
could bring about the change everybody wants to see the easy way  the 
elimination of the drug menace in the country. Such major surgery 
involves searing pain.

THE time to get involved in the affairs of this country is now, and 
the evangelicals are on the right track in coming up with a pastoral 
letter that supports the campaign against the drug menace while 
condemning the unwarranted killings of addicts and pushers.

Can we, as a nation, savor the economic gains measured by the gross 
domestic product (GDP), albeit lacking in inclusive growth, while our 
countrymen are being slaughtered daily under uncertain circumstances?

Can we as a people bear the lamentations of our brothers and sisters 
whose loved ones fall prey to such injustice?

Can we in our collective conscience swallow our human pride and say 
with conviction that the surreal landscape painted by a violent 
crusade against drug addiction is for the greater good?

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) is right in 
praying for the police officers who are faithful in their duty of 
upholding the law and for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for 
enlightenment and divine guidance in his campaign against illegal 
drugs and in upholding the law and constitutional rights of every Filipino.

"In accordance with what the Holy Scripture says in 1 Timothy 2: 1- 
4, we are to pray for all people particularly those who are in 
authority. We therefore pray that those who are mired deeply in the 
use of prohibited drugs will be able to mend their ways. We pray 
earnestly for the well-being of our President and his government, as 
well as our police forces whose lives are often at risk so we 
Filipinos may enjoy a safe and peaceful society," the PCEC said in a 
recent statement.

They are also right in calling for divine intervention in the lives 
of addicts so they may find strength in shaking off their dependency on drugs.

No doubt prayer works, but there is no secret formula that could 
bring about the change everybody wants to see the easy way  the 
elimination of the drug menace in the country. Such major surgery 
involves searing pain.

As a nation of believers in the power of God, the people may well 
heed the call for prayer and faith  faith that God hears his people, 
ready to grant mercy upon us all. Life isn't perfect, but we are not 
seeking perfection, just peace in our land conducive to decent and 
illegal drug free lives for us and our future generations.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom