Prayer in times of calamities

A reader has requested me to publish the Oratio Imperata, a prayer in times of calamities, deluge and pestilence. I saw the point of the reader (an elderly lady who declined to be named for one reason or another) and so I agreed to her request. The prayer follows:

The Oratio Imperata

Almighty Father, we raise our hearts to you in gratitude for the wonders of creation of which we are part, for your providence in sustaining us in our needs, and for your wisdom that guides the course of the universe.

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 We acknowledge our sins against you and the rest of creation. We have not been good stewards of nature. We have confused your command to subdue the earth.

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 The environment is made to suffer by our wrongdoing, and now we reap the harvest of our abuse and indifference.

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 Global warming is upon us. Typhoons, floods volcanic eruption, earthquakes, and other natural calamities occur in increasing number and intensity.

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 We turn to you, our Loving Father, and beg forgiveness for our sins. We ask that we, our loved ones and our hard earned possessions be spared from the threat of calamities, natural and man-made.

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 We beseech you to inspire us all to grow into responsible stewards of your creation, and generous neighbors to those in need. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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 Our reader who requested anonymity wishes this columnist to thank Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra, from whose book “Straight From The Heart” the Oratio Imperata was lifted. And so, thank you Father Mario.

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 Text message from Paul Alducente Sr. of Talisay City, Cebu: “Thru your column, I would like to congratulate BIR Commissioner Kim Henares for an impressive performance as witness in the CJ Corona trial. Some lawyers tried to squeeze some info from her to be used to pin down Corna but she’s firm in her refusal to give in, standing strong in protecting her right to say No when she had to say NO.”

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I enjoy reading readers’ interaction through texts especially when the text messages are not too abbreviated making them sound jejemon.