ECUMENICAL PRAYER DAYS FOR PEACE
Prayer Guide Dec 1-10 Human Rights Day
Peace Not Tyranny
December 1, 2017 by PCPR BalikTanaw
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Gal, 5:1 EST)
An Appeal for A Solidarity Prayer
National and International Day of Prayer for the Filipino People
Let the STARS shine through by putting on lanterns, on doorposts, and on decorative posts, cards with the message;
PEACE not Tyranny
Christ our STAR who lights our path
A Fire that burns against the darkness of night
A Passion for TRUTH so that JUSTICE will thrive
A SPIRIT, AN ENERGY that defines what LOVE is
Gently and Radically awaken us, to work in SOLIDARITY
To speak when a tyrant wants us to be quiet
To rise up when a tyrant wants us to kneel down and bow before him
To resurrect in us our will and resolve to fight for justice and peace
When our people are killed, incarcerated, and persecuted
in the name of the empire.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us ponder on how we can bring in the LIGHT that could lead us to TRUTH, PEACE, JUSTICE, and SOLIDARITY.
We seek your help and prayers for our country:
· Duterte’s arbitrary termination of the peace talks with the National Democratic Front, and tagging CPP-NPA-NDF, with whom the GRP is having Peace Talks with as terrorist justifies the intensified militarization,
· The crackdown of activists and the organizations that promote social justice who are being maligned as conspirators to destabilize the government. As of November 20, 2017, Duterte has already added 134 persons to the number of political prisoners currently languishing in different jails across the country. Under Duterte, there are 104 victims of politically-motivated extra-judicial killings.
· The unrepentant mode of the Philippine National Police on the dirty and bloody “war on drugs” and the plan to bring back the operations from PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) to the PNP. Thousands have been killed in the name of war on drugs.
· The undermining of the system of check and balances by impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio- Morales. They are known critic of the War on Drugs of Pres. Duterte.
· The fake “revolutionary government” that is only meant to lay down the political infrastructure for dictatorship.
What Can We Do To Send our Message Across?
We encourage our global community to pray and act individually and collectively – church, fellowship, organization, communities, convents, prayer circles etc.
The accompanying prayer guide is herewith. You may use this suggested prayer or compose a prayer of your own.
Make a star lantern, sticker, decoration with a message: PEACE NOT TYRANNY!
You may place it on your Christmas trees, doorposts, sticker
For a wider circulation- use social media like Facebook, Tweeter, Google Plus, etc.
Share it through PCPR, Pilgrims for Peace
Suggested calls to be posted with STAR Lanterns(PAROL)
No to Dictatorship! Yes to Democracy!
Never Again to Another Dictatorship!
PEACE NOT TYRANNY!
Itakwil ang huwad na “revolutionary government” ni Duterte!
No to fake “revolutionary government” of Duterte!
Labanan ang mga atake sa karapatang pantao!
Stop Repression! Stop Human Rights Violations!
End Impunity! Let Justice Prevail!
Activism is not Terrorism!
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again
to a yoke of slavery. (Gal, 5:1 EST)
Prayer Guide:
Prayer for
Dec 1 Indigenous People Weena Meiley ,Catholic
Dec 2 Good Government Prof. Lizette G. Tapia Raquel , United Methodist(UMC)
Dec 3 Political Prisoners Rev. Fr. Paco Albano , Diocese of Isabela
Dec 4 Jeepney Drivers And Transportation Service Prof. Revelation E. Velunta, United Methodist Church (UMC)
Dec 5 Workers Jeff Vito, Roman Catholic
Dec 6 Migrants Rev. Cathy Chang , Presbyterian Church
Dec 7 Urban Poor Noy Loyola , Redemptorist
Dec 8 Children Fr. Edprim Gaza, CM
Dec 9 Prayer to End Impunity Cheekai dela Cruz, United Methodist Church(UMC) / Becca Lawson , Presbyterian
Dec 10 Peace not Tyranny Nick Primavera , United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Fr. Francisco Albano Norma P. Dollaga, United Methodist Church (UMC)
* * * * *
December 1 —A Prayer for the Indigenous People
Breathing Prayer from the Land , An Indigenous Prayer for the Whole of Life
Bow to Earth
Bowing to Earth we love
Living this life
Upholding truth in all its faces
The land we hold in our hearts
Source of Life
We offer our Be-ing to You.
Bow to Air
Bowing to Air we breathe
The wind in all its glory
Holding all life in one accord
Breathing Life in all living beings
Maker of Life
We lift up our Be-ing to You.
Bow To Water
Bowing to water flowing
All waters washing, cleansing, renewing
Blood in us a-flowing, as rivers streaming
All of life abound
Giver of Life
Move our Be-ing to You.
Bow To Fire
Bowing to Fire a-flaming
Raising our hands in praise
Oh fire! Flare forth, run, rise,
Burn unto Love and blaze.
Renewer of Life
Transform our Be-ing unto You.
Remember O Creator of all Life, our suffering, our loss
Our Land, our Be-ing, lost in the hands of greed.
Send forth the Spirits of Earth, Air, Water and Fire
To restore all of Life’s ruin and desolation.
Increase our faith and love
To act on your call
To give voice to our desire for a just society
To transform our misery and pain
And to live a life of peace with all Beings.
May our prayer be.##
· Weena S. Meily, Alternative Learning School Teacher, La Salle
December 2 —A Prayer for Good Governance
For every broken dream and vision…
Hear our lamentations and vision Bathala!
For every soil untilled and possessed by a landlord
A farmer could have brought forth grain.
For every forest made bare
An old man could have taken shelter in sunshine and in rain.
For every river poisoned
All mothers could have filled their children’s hunger and thirst.
For every mountain mined and plundered
An entire community could have lived simply, safe and sustained.
For every indigenous leader killed to be silenced
A community will rise to seek justice amidst pain.
For every youth leader abducted to sow fear
A new generation will rise, remember and resist, again and again
For every child torn from a mother’s arms by raging floods
Another child will be born to embody hope, faith and love.
For every mother grieving and hurting
A sister, mother or daughter will raise her up to embody God above.
For every human being denied of human rights
Another must find courage to protest, resist and demand dignity for all.
For every child still hungry in the midst of plenty
A community must find compassion to nurture and heed their silent call.
For every people oppressed by the few and powerful
A leadership must rise up to be a true servant of the poor and dispossessed.
Lead us God of struggling people …
For every broken dream and vision
We must rise again to seek new revelations, amidst our protests
If revolution would be an option of the masses, who are we to stop it?
But we must stop the revolutionary government of Duterte that spells dictatorship.
So help us God. ##
· Prof. Lizette Tapia, Union Theological Seminary (UTS), Cavite
December 3 —A PRAYER FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS
Be mindful O Lord of our country’s political detainees
Their tongues hearts mind and spirit free as the wind and sky
The lilies of the field and the birds of the air and your love for all
Only their bodies behind prison bars and walls secured by guards
Guns and barbed wire that have a low regard for human life
Be mindful O Lord of our country’s political detainees labeled
As criminals by big government big military big business lackeys
Of imperialist masters beholden to idols of self wealth power fame
But jailed not is their political presence for all of good will to see
And own in town and country unfenced beyond national borders
Be mindful O Lord of our country’s political detainees
And grant them and us all wisdom courage and perseverance
For the living of this hour in our collective demand from government
Their release from prison freedom to love and serve the people
Respect for human rights the rule of law just and righteous
Be mindful O Lord of our country’s political detainees young old
Our brothers and sisters of burning faith lively hope fervent love
With dreams unshattered of our country of justice and peace
Grant that they be an undying inspiration to our people to struggle
For freedom democracy integrity of creation and prosperity for all
You are not ashamed to be called their God for they are yours.##
· Fr. Paco Albano, Diocese of Isabela
December 4 —Prayer for the Jeepney Drivers on the Day of Transport Strike
KINGS OF THE ROAD
ONE PEOPLE, ONE PRAYER
God, Parent of us all.
We thank you for the life that you have given us so that, together,
we can commit to face the challenges of the times.
We thank you for each and everyone who is committed to concrete acts of solidarity and struggle; and whose hands are open and ready to help.
You know Duterte’s plans for Juan dela Cruz’s jeepney.
You know these plans are motivated by greed.
You know the hardships that this plan will bring to the over six hundred thousand jeepney drivers, their families, and their loved ones.
You also know, Lord, why we are here. Why we are together.
Jeepneys are the masses’ response to the government’s indifference to public service after the Second World War.
You also know that jeepneys are the people’s transformation of the American military jeep.
You also know why we call them Kings of the Road. A title from the grassroots, from the masses, from the millions who ride them, from Aparri to Jolo.
This is why there is a jeepney phaseout. They are the most recognizable symbol of the government’s impotence; of their being beholden to the powerful; of their being subservient to foreign control; lovers of money; indifferent.
This is why we come before you, our Lord.
Hand in hand, arm to arm, we promise you today: For the Kings of the Road, for Juan dela Cruz’s jeepneys; together with drivers, operators, and passengers.
We are the hope, the answer to our dreams.
We are the change, the world really needs.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the next.
We are the people, the answer to our prayers.##
· Prof. Revelation E. Velunta, Union Theological Seminary UTS, Cavite
(Filipino Translation)
PARA SA MGA HARI NG KALSADA
ISANG BANSA, ISANG PANALANGIN
Dios na Magulang naming lahat,
Marami pong salamat sa buhay na handog ninyo sa amin upang kami’y sama samang magtalaga ng pagkakaisa sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng panahon.
Marami pong salamat sa bawa’t isang bukas pusong handa sa kongkretong pagkilos at pakikibaka; at bukas ang mga palad sa pagtulong sa kapwa.
Alam ninyo ang mga balak ni Duterte sa jeepney ni Juan.
Alam n’yo rin ang lalim ng ganid ng mga nasa likod ng mga balak na ito.
Alam n’yo rin po ang dadalhing kahirapan ng mga balaking ito sa lampas ng anim na daang libong driver at sa kanilang mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay.
Alam nyo rin, Panginoon, ang dahilan ng aming pakikibaka.
Ang jeepney ay bunga ng masang tumugon sa kawalang pakialam ng gobyerno sa kapakanan ng maliliit pagkatapos ng Pangalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig.
Alam n’yo po na ang jeepney ay pinanday ng Pinoy mula sa jeep na pandigma ng mga Kano.
Alam n’yo po na ang jeepney ay Hari ng Kalsada, tatak na bigay ng aba, ng madla, ng milyon-milyong pasahero mula Aparri hanggang Jolo.
Kaya balak alisin ang jeepney; ang jeepney ang pinakamalawak na simbolo ng pagiging inutil ng gobyerno. Ng pagiging tuta sa mga nasa kapangyarihan. Ng pagiging maka-banyaga, mukhang pera, at walang pakialam.
Kaya lumalapit kami sa inyo ngayon, aming Dios.
Sama-sama kaming nangangako sa inyo ngayon…
Para sa mga Hari ng Kalsada, para sa jeepney ni Juan; kabalikat ang mga driver, mga operator, at mga pasahero.
Kami ang pag-asa na laging panaginip.
Kami ang pagbabago’ng aming minimithi.
Kahapon, ngayon, bukas, taong hinaharap,
Kami ang bayang sagot sa dalanging hikbi.
Sa ngalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo, Amen
December 5 — A Prayer for Workers
“You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.” (Deuteronomy 24:14)
Yahweh, You are a God of justice and mercy. You always stand on the side of the poor, the oppressed, the secluded, the neglected and the marginalized. You care for your people. Today, we lift to you our poor workers who toil from sunrise ‘til dusk but still languish in dire poverty. Our carpenters and construction workers who work under the scorching heat of the sun do not have roofs over their heads. Our factory workers endure longer hours of labor, most often than not, in a hazardous and unwarranted working environment just to earn a living and, yet, at times they cannot afford to put a decent meal on their tables. Millions of our people cross international borders and bear the pain and anguish of separation from families and homeland
just to send their children to school and to secure a better life for their families. Many of our wage earners who remain in the country have to withstand the ENDO phenomenon, that for many years, has enslaved and transformed the workers into a “cheap rotating labor force” bereft of security of tenure, receiving low pay without benefits, who are discarded by their employers in a cycle of five to six month.
God of justice and mercy, you uphold the dignity and rights of the workers. Hear their cries and groaning. Keep us closely united to them through our compassion and our actions. We pray this day with hopeful hearts, believing that your justice and compassion will bring comfort and freedom to our Filipino workers. May the star of Bethlehem be our hope and light. Amen.##
· Jeff Vito, College of the Holy Spirit
December 6 —A Prayer for Migrants
Peace, not Tyranny – Let the Star Lead Us
For the Migrants: Reflections on Matthew 2:1-12
A star signals a very different kingdom
A prophet declares that a ruler can arise from humble circumstances and reign in humility
Even the powers-that-be shake in fear
Through all these things, wise men know and follow the star that leads them to the Messiah.
***
King Herod still reigns with a new name, new rules, and new regimes
Stars insist and persist on a very different reign and rule
Who are today’s people of wisdom?
Unlike the wise men from the East, our migrant workers are men and women. They come from many places other than the East.
Like the wise men from the East, our migrant workers – when their bodies and heads and spirits are not bent over in labor – look to the skies and stars, anticipate a reign of peace.
Like the wise men from the East, our migrant workers face leaders who do not affirm the value of life.
Like the wise men from the East, our migrant workers are among the first to bestow upon their families with their Christmas presents and their presence.
***
Lord God, who was born in humble circumstances and yet heralded with gifts as a king, we praise and glorify you. Guided by the star, the wise men from the East held onto the promise of a noble birth, heralding a king and kingdom, fully realized in the life and death of Jesus Christ. As men and women who are guided by the star, we follow in the footsteps of those first wise men from the East. We oppose tyranny. We move forward and work towards a reign of peace. We join with our migrant workers and their families, in their desires to be fully present through life together and not only moments during the holidays. We mourn the lives lost of workers like Jakatia Pawa. We mourn the lives cut short of family members like Kian delos Santos, of migrant workers. We affirm the value of life in the face of abuse and exploitation. We affirm healthy and whole lives. We affirm sustainable livelihoods. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen. ##
· Rev. Cathy Chang, PCUSA Mission Co-worker
December 7 Prayer for the Urban Poor
Hear our cries, Hear our prayer, Hear our Hope
MAGNIFICAT FROM THE GUTTERS
Beneath this stingy cold cement bed where I sleep is a rich fertile soil waiting to be free.
Beyond this desolate concrete massive bridge over my head is a great blue sky waiting for me to come out in the morning.
At the farthest end of this filthy gutter under my feet is a wide cool ocean ready to refresh my weary and beaten body.
In the stored memory of these nearly wasted- disfigured hands and feet is the master plan for a new humane and caring city.
Inside this insecure and worrisome mind is a vigorous and undying dream of a secure comfortable home among a winsome neighborhood.
At the inner most of this oppressed, ridiculed and weary heart is a blue print of a new unselfish human relations ready to sympathize with all those who suffer.
In the abject poverty of this most wretched life is a generous soul that knows no bounds ready to give it all away for the restoration of the original justice of creation.##
· Noy Loyola , Redemptorist
December 8 —Panalangin Para sa Mga Bata
Hayaan Mo Kami, Isang Panaghoy
Bakit Mo hinahayaang mawala kami ng tuturuan ng tula?
Bakit Mo itinutulot ang pagkamatay ng lilinangin naming sumayaw?
Bakit Mo kinakayang wala na kaming sasanaying umawit?
Paaano na ang aming bayang mayaman sa kultura’t pakikibaka?
Sino na ang aming tuturuang tumula?
Kung ang alam nilang titik ay pagmumura at pang-aalipusta
Kung ang mga salitang galit at mga pangakong huwad ang kanilang dinadalumat
Sino pa ang aming tuturuang tumula?
Sino na ang aming lilinanging sumayaw?
Kung ang kanilang buong kalamnan ay manginig
Natatakot sa pasistang estado at napaparalisa ang buong katawan
Sino pa ang aming lilinanging sumayaw?
Sino na ang sasanayin naming umawit?
Kung tinig ng kanyon, bomba at bala ng military ang kanilang naririnig
At tugtog ng giyera sa aming bayan ang mayor na kumpas
Sino pa ang aming sasanaying umawit?
Bakit Mo hinayaang busalan ang bibig ng aming anak?
Hindi na namin sila naririnig umiyak at tumawa
Ni kahit makabigkas ng pangarap at pag-asa
Bakit di Mo kayang muli silang buhayin?
Bakit Mo itinulot dumanak ang kanilang dugo?
Hindi na namin sila napaiindak at nakikitang nakikipaglaro
Wala na kaming aawatin at dadampian na mga bisig
Bakit Mo kayang ipayakap sa amin ang naninigas na katawan?
Bakit Mo kayang marinig ang hikbi kaysa tawanan?
Hindi na kami makapag hele sa kanila
At wala ng sasabay sa amin para awitin ang kundiman ng bayan
Bakit Mo kayang pawiin ang saliw ng musika at ihatid kami sa libingan?
Hinahayaan Mo kaming ilagay sa aming mga kamay ang lakas
Masdan mo ang bayang diniligin ng dugo at handing magpasya
Ikaw ang aming Pastol sa aming pakikibaka na walang takot
Ikaw ang Dios din sa sasama sa paglikha ng mga tula
Ikaw ang Dios din na maikikipagsayaw sa indayog ng pagkilos
Ikaw ang Dios din na magiging HIMIG ng aming pagsulongat pakikibaka.##
· Fr. King Gaza , CM
December 9 —Prayer to End Impunity
God of Life and God of Justice,
We come together on this day
to lament
to remember
to dream
and to rise up
as a people determined
to uphold the sanctity of life.
Open our eyes
that we may empathize
with the poor and marginalized
who suffer under grinding poverty
and endure the hardships
of oppression.
Open our ears
that we may understand
the harrowing realities
of harassment
displacement
torture
and killings
that have gripped
so many lives.
Open our hearts
and fill us with compassion
so that we may embrace
those who grieve,
embolden those willing to struggle for justice,
and stand unflinchingly
as defenders of human rights.
Give us courage to
amplify the voices
of the downtrodden
in their pursuit
of accountability,
speaking truth to power.
Raise us up
as one humanity
that acts in solidarity
to uproot impunity
on our collective journey
toward freedom,
well-being,
and righteousness.
Make this day one that
ignites our passion
and galvanizes our resolve
to struggle
for the respect,
dignity,
and liberation
of the captives and oppressed.
This we pray to you, GOD OF ALL.
Amen.##
· Becca Lawson, Pilgrims for Peace, Presbyterian &
· Johanna de la Cruz, NCCP
December 10 —Peace NOT Tyranny
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
O Lord, we remember, we remember your Word:
Once upon a time you called all creation to an ecological council
And said: “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.”
And so you created him; male and female you created them.”
As matter, body, mind, and spirit you created them.
As a microcosm of yourself and the universe, you created them.
As social beings and stewards of creation, you created them.
And so it is that persons, communities, and creation are linked
One to the other in justice and righteousness and peace.
And so it is that man/women sings with the poet: “I contain multitudes.”
O Lord, we claim your Word: We are in creation; creation is in us.
Thus by your Word do we claim rights divine and human,
Botanical and zoological, atomic and molecular, natural and supernatural.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever will be.
Thus do we grasp your Word: that when human rights are violated
All creation is violated. When the integrity of creation is violated,
Human rights are violated. Your Word is violated, dishonored;
Forces of Chaos infiltrate to subvert peace of your desire.
But it shall not be so, that Chaos reign over the waters and the earth.
Enable us, we pray, to defend your Word and the peace it proclaims.
O Lord, we remember your beloved Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother
Saying. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you; I do not give
To you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled
And do not be afraid.” His peace is your peace, a gift of life to share.
It is not of the exclusivist world of tyrants, exploiters, and oppressors
In big business, big government, big military, big scientistic science –
Who regard peasants as carabaos for the plow, workers as machines
Professionals as servants, nationalist businessmen as moronic capitalists.
The peace of Jesus, of his Kingdom, is in us, among us, yours O Lord.
His Kingdom of truth, justice, and peace, a civilization love begun.
O Lord, enable us to proclaim your Kingdom and to demand without fear
Proofs of justice and care from those in authority over the nation:
Respect for human and ecological rights;
Food, jobs, decent social services for all;
Genuine agrarian reform and nationalist industrialization;
Assertion of national sovereignty;
Gender and racial equality and religious freedom;
End to extra-judicial killings; indemnification of victims and their families;
Peace Talk to address the roots of the armed conflict ;
International solidarity for justice and peace.
Receive our collective pledge, O Lord, to “administer justice every morning.”##
· Fr. Francisco R. Albano, Diocese of Ilagan
HEAR CRY, O GOD
Almighty God, to whom, and to whom alone, we owe our faith, we are saddled today by a tyrant we thought we only find in fairy tales and children’s books. After the euphoria of the 1916 national elections, we are saddened to find a bully emperor with camouflaged clothes, rolled sleeves, and unbuttoned shirt, ostensibly rallying us against corruption in government, addiction to drugs, and criminality, but really furthering one’s ego towards self promotion and silencing of critics. The evils our tyrant points to are abetted by powers and principalities that profit from the maladies of underdevelopment of our people. Genuine development should be the object of government’s passions in conformity with the wishes of our people in their journey towards the peace of your sham. Instead, the people’s platforms for peace are ignored and more military hardware is acquired to silence a suffering populace. Hear our cry O God, and listen to the anguish of our children. Amen.##
· Nick Primavera
Prayer or Hymn Singing : Stand Up for Justice
(Tune: Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus , Geroge James Webb)
Stand up stand up for justice
We people who love Peace
Armed conflict will continue
If roots are not addressed.
The rains of bombs and weapons
Attacking farms and people
Destruction, fear and terror
Does not bring Peace at all.
Stand Up Stand Up for Justice
We people who love Peace
The war on drugs must end now
We rise up for the poor.
We see them how they suffer
From woes and pain and loss
The orphans and the widows
Seek justice and true peace.
Stand Up stand up for Justice
We people who love Peace
Our faith must now remind us
That Truth will be our guide.
The mem’ries of fascism
Repression and suppression
The martial law is evil
We say never again.
Stand Up Stand Up for Justice
We people who love peace
The laws of greed and plunder
Their rule must end and cease
We pray for all our people
Who suffer unjust war
We join the pilgrims’ journey
To rise against empire.
Stand Up Stand up for Justice
We people who love peace
We struggle on with courage
As hope and faith increase.
Like soaring mighty eagles
Our strength will be renewed
We run but will not faint
Our God, will see us through .##
· Norma P. Dollaga, United Methodist Church
*****
Dec 1 Black Friday Protest
5PM-7Pm Bantayog ng mga Bayani
Dec 2 Feeding at Rise Up Area
Dec 4-5 Transport Strike: Not to Privatization of Modernization of Jeepney
Dec. 4 Youth Solidarity Cafe : Australian Marymede Catholic College Students, Churches, SoS , Rise Up
Dec. 6 Lunch Break Action: PEACE not Tyranny (E. Rodriguez, Quezon City)
2PM Forum on Peace Talks
Christ the King
Dec. 7 RPRD: Free Bishop Carlo Morales
Dec 8 Rise Up Filing of Case/ Liturgy at the Ombudsman Office/
Public Protest: Stop the Killings
Dec 10 Human Rights Day
National and Global Day of Prayer for Peace and Justice in the Philippines
el Senor te bendiga y te guarde;
