Before the country gets sucked up into the affairs of 2014, the right thing to do is to pause and pray. Pray for the thousands of lives lost to disasters in 2013. Pray in thanksgiving for those who survived their loss and who have regained the will to move on.

 

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the country in prayer tomorrow, Monday, at exactly 5 p.m.

 

“One Nation in Prayer,” as the moment is called, will see the churches and religious groups all over the country tuning in at 5 p.m. and praying in unison. Offices and businesses will also participate. The TV networks will cover the event, so that people in their homes or offices can join in prayer.

 

The President will lead from the Palace grounds at Malacañan Palace.

 

“One Nation in Prayer,” the Palace says, is “where Filipinos of various faiths will remember those who were lost to the tragic incidents of 2013, give thanks to the Almighty, and seek Divine guidance and strength.”

 

It is the pause we all need.