Our Lord and our God,

We give you praise and thanks for your relentless love, your abounding grace, and your unending compassion. We have done nothing to deserve these things, yet you continually and freely lavish them upon us.

We come before you today, to pray for the Philippines. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the country, we ask that you protect the most vulnerable from the virus, that you would bring healing to those who are presently suffering with symptoms of the virus, and that ultimately, you would bring an end to this pandemic in the Philippines and around the world.  Please keep those who are serving on the frontlines safe, especially healthcare workers who are at higher risk of infection.

We remember our partners in the Philippines, Kabuganaan Philippines Ministries (KPM), led by Rev. Job and Phoebe Santiago. We ask that you provide what they need to continue serving the needs of the poor and marginalized in Capiz province. Please protect them and their family from harm and grant them continued good health. We pray also for Rev. Jerry Lamazon, who serves as the chairperson of KPM’s board of directors, and for all KPM board members, as they lead during this difficult season of ministry.

We pray for the various programs being carried out in partnership between KPM and Canadian Baptist Ministries. Even in a year that continues to see so much change and uncertainty, many lives are still being touched with the Gospel through word and deed. We pray especially for the children and families connected to KPM’s five childcare centers. Access to quality education is so important in the development of a child. Even though they are unable to meet face to face, we pray that the children will grow and learn through this year’s home-based modular lessons.  We pray also, that you would provide for the daily needs of their families for things like food, clean water, and good hygiene.

We continue to pray for those whose livelihoods have been affected, and whose lives are at risk because of increased militarization and “red-tagging” that continues to result in unjust arrests and senseless deaths, especially among indigenous communities. We ask that you intervene and put an end to the extra-judicial killings occurring in the Philippines. We also ask you to protect KPM’s missionary teachers, community workers, and program staff as they continue to work under these challenging circumstances.

Please continue to bless the work of CBM all across the globe, and the generous Canadian Baptists who give so freely in your name.

Lastly, we pray for our family, and for the work that we continue to do virtually with our partners in the Philippines. May you continue to strengthen our relationships even though we are not with them at this time. We pray for Kyla as she prepares for high school graduation next month, and as she prepares for the next phase of education in university.  May you continue to guide her steps.

We give you thanks for hearing our prayers this day, and we pray all these things in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.