As I was heading today for work, with the Sorrowful mysteries of the rosary played on my ninoycory myphone, an idea popped on my mind. Lately, I have been asking random, vague favors from God. I tell Him to please do this and that for me. I pray for me, me and me. I pray for other people too especially for my family and loved ones. But this morning, I declare Friday a Pray for Others Day. I told myself, "Michelle Ann, pause just for today asking incessantly for your petitions."
As the rosary was done, I prayed for all the people on the road. " Lord, bless the drivers, especially the motorcycle drivers and all the passengers. May there be no road mishaps today.".
During the First Friday mass, I pray for my workplace administrators, academic and non- acedemic personnel, our 4Runners and most especially the student body.
As I was having my brunch of chicken adobo and rice, I prayed for the canteen proprietress and her hardworking staff. I prayed for the recovery of my maintenance- in- charge's daughter as she is down with fever. I requested God that He may bless the student assistants with wisdom and perseverance so that they may bring home good grades to their parents.
" Make all my former crushes happy and safe, dear Lord." " Please take care of all the sick, may they be comforted to know that You will heal them with Your hands. I especially pray for those admitted at JBL and UP PGH." "Bless all those bravely battling terminal diseases like cancer , embrace their hearts and their families."
" Remember Lord those who have died and gone before us, especially my father Michael, our friends and relatives, Cory on her 5th death anniversary. Bless all the souls in purgatory, those who are not remembered anymore. Bless the unborn and aborted babies. I pray for those who have died in the civil war in the Gaza Strip."
" Bless my sisters and best friends with peace and joy." " Hug those who are in emotional and spiritual pain now." " Guide PNoy in leading Philippines. Please lessen his hardheadedness." " Take care of the PAGASA weathermen. Keep everyone safe."" Bless the soul of Steve Jobs. Thank you for his Apple innovations." "Provide Arlette with a safe trip from Dumaguete."
"May my friends have a blast of fun later at XO." "May all find balance of living the various snippets of life."
There were about 4-5 times today wherein I was beginning to talk to God about my favors and wishes, then I was reminded of my self-declared "Pray for Others Day." So I stopped. You know what, I feel good!! I hope I could do this more often.
Share.Listen. Pray.