BABY R. NEBRIDA
There have been regrets. Disappointments. Tears that only God has counted.
But when I look at the arc of my life, I see more blessings than curses. More moments of grace than despair. I have walked through valleys shadowed by cruelty, crossed deserts scorched by betrayal, and endured the sting of unkind, ill-mannered, and heartless souls who wounded without cause.
Yet through it all, I see the hand of God.
It is the thorns that shaped me.
It is the pain that purified me.
It is the suffering that drew me to the Cross.
I am not who I was.
I am who I have become—because I chose to surrender.
Because I chose to rise.
Because I chose to let Jesus take over every injustice, every lie, every burden I could no longer carry.
To those who mocked me, used me, betrayed me—I surrender you to the mercy and justice of God. I ask not for revenge, but for truth. Not for punishment, but for cleansing. Not for pride, but for peace.
We cry for justice, Lord.
Not just for ourselves—but for all those who have suffered in silence.
Let Your justice roll like a river, and Your mercy shine like the sun.
Take over, Jesus.
I place them all—every thorn, every scar—into Your Sacred Heart.
Because I know You will never waste our pain.
PRAYER FOR THE UNITY OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND PROTECTION OF OUR NATION
Almighty and Ever-living God,
In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, we bow before You in humility yet stand in the boldness of faith, lifting up our beloved Philippines into Your sovereign care.
Lord, breathe upon our nation the fire of Your Spirit. Break down every wall of division, discord, and selfish ambition. Unite the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary under Your banner of truth and justice. Let every leader be stripped of pride and clothed with wisdom, integrity, and the fear of the Lord. May the love of country rise above personal gain, and may their every decision reflect Your righteousness.
By Your mighty hand, O God, shatter the strongholds of corruption, greed, and deceit. Expose what is hidden in darkness, and let the light of Christ cleanse every corner of our government and society. Raise up servant-leaders who will govern not for power, but for Your glory and the good of the Filipino people.
Merciful Father, spread Your wings of protection over our land. Shield us from earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and every disaster that seeks to destroy lives and livelihoods. Cover our families, our homes, and our communities with the precious blood of Jesus.
Bless our nation, O Lord, with lasting peace, fruitful prosperity, and steadfast unity. Teach every Filipino to walk in holiness, to pursue justice, and to live with compassion toward one another. Rekindle in us a love for You above all else, and let the Philippines rise as a beacon of light and hope to the nations.
This we declare and believe, in the most powerful name of Jesus Christ — our Redeemer, our Protector, and our Eternal King. Amen.