The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros started its prayer campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 8, for a peaceful, credible, and transparent May 2022 polls.
"As the candidates for the 2022 elections kickoff today their campaigns, we also begin our prayer campaign for a peaceful, credible, and transparent elections," the Manila Cathedral said in a Facebook post.
"As endorsed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), we will be praying starting today the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Prayer for the 2022 National and Local Elections in all our Masses," it added
"May we choose leaders according to our Christian values and teachings," said the Cathedral.
Below is the prayer: Leader: Let us pray that the forthcoming national and local elections may truly reflect the will of the Lord who guides the destinies of nations.
For every petition, let us pray together: Response: Deliver us, Lord.
From coercion, intimidation, violence and terrorism....
From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth... From bribery, graft and all conspiracy for fraud...
From gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective... From threats, intimidation and perverse language...
Leader: Let us pray together: Response: Hear us, Lord That conscience may always be our ultimate norm.... That the common good may always be our highest goal...
That human dignity may be respected all the time... That the poor and the weak may always have the priority.... That care for creation may never be ignored...
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development... That genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public office......
Leader: Let us pray.
Altogether: Shepherd of souls and Savior of the nations, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates bring glory to your loving name and help us grow in holiness, forever and ever. Amen.