09232020_Feeling Down Shake the Pandemic Blues Away with these OPM Songs

Feeling Down? Shake the Pandemic Blues Away with these OPM Songs

Saying that Filipinos love music is an understatement.

Igood times and in bad, the Pinoys seem to always find songs fit for any occasion. There is an anthem that reflects any emotion and suits every situation.

And as the world continues to fight the pandemicit’s not a surprise to see people tapping into songs as a source of strength and inspirationMusic becomes a healing balm that soothes weary souls.

If you’re feeling down lately and looking for a breather, here are 5 inspiring OPM songs to add to your playlist. Take a deep breath, turn up the volume, and let these anthems uplift your spirits and heal your soul:

1. Manalangin – The Juans   

Hangga’t may nakikinig sa panalangin 

Di mawawala ang pag asa natin 

Ikaw at ako 

babangon tayo.

Manalangin kicks off by telling you that your worries about the pandemic are valid, and a lot of people feel them too. A few beats after, The Juans delivers the message of hope pretty clear: solidarity – in prayers and in good deeds – would soon spark hope. There is light, after all.

Likewise, its music video adds a heavy weight to the song’s already impactful message – a montage of our kababayans plight during the pandemic and the frontliners’, people’s unity in the fight against the unseen enemy.

2. This Too, Shall Pass – Rico Blanco

“I don’t know how, I don’t know when 

But I know love will find a way again 

This too shall pass.”

Rico Blanco sings about one of the most comforting pieces of advice you can possibly give to yourself right now: this pandemic will soon pass. 

This quarantine anthem hits close to home as it acknowledges the tears, fears, and confusion this crisis bringsIts music video, on the other hand, shows people around the globe holding on through difficult timesHeart-warming and at the same time, cheery, “This Too, Shall Pass” rallies toward hope and love during dark times.

3. Lilim – Victory Worship

Mananatili sa Iyong lilim 

At sasambahin Ka sa dakong lihim 

Mananatili sa Iyong lilim 

Nang masumpungan Ka sa dakong lihim.”

Although the song was released months before the pandemic, “Lilim” stays relevant due to its timeless message of hope and comfort that can only be found in God.

This lullaby-like hymn encourages you to find shelter in God, cling to His promises, and receive the rest He freely gives you. It’s an assurance that when you seek God, He will meet you and will take away all the anxiety, sadness, or pain.

4. Bukas Wala Nang Ulan – Christian Bautista and Janine Teñoso

“Pero ang di mo alamhindi ka nag-iisa 

Nakaagapay sayotiwala lang 

Masisilayan mo din ang bahaghari 

Dahil bukas ay wala nang ulan.”

Christian and Janine’s hopeful duet comforts you that you are not alone. If you think there is nobody to turn to and nowhere to go, if you feel that the problems are pouring nonstop – hold on.

Trust that there is a better future in store for you. Though it might seem that it’s all doom and gloom right now, the rain will soon end, and there’s a rainbow after it. There is hope, light, and healing for you.

5. Beautiful – Ogie Alcasid and Moira Dela Torre 

Beautiful, beautiful 

Everything You’ve done is simply beautiful 

Wonderful, glorious 

I just stand amazed to hear Your name.” 

Ogie and Moira’s collaboration is a great reminder that in the midst of storms, there is a powerful, beautiful God who weathers the storm with you.

The song emphasizes that even though it’s hard to see all the good things right now because of the fear and troubles brought by the pandemicstill, everything that God does is simply beautiful. From its soul-solidifying lyrics to its calming melody, “Beautiful” is a hopeful declaration, a prayer, and a song of praise rolled into one.

In this time of uncertainty, let music inspire you to keep hoping in a God that holds the future.

Do you have other songs that comfort and uplift you during this season? Feel free to add to this list in the comments below.

If you are feeling down because of the pandemic, the CBN Asia Prayer Center is here for you. Call us at 8737-0700 and we would love to comfort you through prayers.

What is Fasting? How Should I Fast for Spiritual Breakthroughs?

Some believers don’t fast. Not because they don’t want to, but because they have not fully digested the sense and significance of fasting.

Fasting – like prayer – is a spiritual discipline that must never go out of style. In fact, with all that is happening around the world, prayer and fasting are needed now more than ever!

So put those utensils down and delve on what the Bible has to say about fasting.



What is fasting?

Fasting is voluntarily giving up food, and other things you regularly enjoy, for a period of time to focus on God. Bible Study Tools says that the Hebrew verb sum describes fasting as a religious exercise and conveys the explicit meaning “to abstain from food.”

You can find that fasting is important because first and foremost, Jesus Himself did it.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:1-2 ESV)

Dwelling in a human body, Jesus knew that He would need spiritual strength to fulfill His purpose so He fasted. As a result, He returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. (Luke 4:14 ESV)

Why fast?

Following Jesus’ example, fasting makes you spiritually strong and equips you to do God’s purpose for your life. It is more than just skipping your meals. Ezra 8:21 ESV shows that fasting is an act of humility before God and devoting yourself to Him.

“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.”

Apart from the health benefits of fasting, the act helps you become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As you deny yourself of your natural cravings and distractions – and commit yourself to praying and fasting – you become more sensitive to His voice.

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

Fasting can also be an expression of seeking God’s forgiveness, favor, and revival. As Joshua 3:5 ESV declares, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

How to fast?

Although Jesus did not directly command his followers to fast, He reckoned that they would.

It is clear in Matthew 6:16 ESV – where Jesus explained how a believer should fast, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”

As you fast…

Plan what type of fast you would commit to and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ultimately, know that prayer is an essential part of fasting. Without seeking and focusing on God during your fast, it wouldn’t be any different from just going hungry.

Fasting is more than just the empty stomach; it is acknowledging that you need God’s help and guidance. It is proclaiming that even when you are empty – God can fill you with His grace and mercy.

Got questions about prayer and fasting? Don’t hesitate to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your questions and prayer requests to our Facebook page.

One Prayer Away: Answering the What, Why, and How of Prayer

Prayer.

You have probably heard the word countless times, but have you ever asked yourself what prayer really means? Do you wonder if God really hears your prayers?



What is prayer?

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is more than just believing in Him. It is a constant walk and journeying with Him. And just like any other relationship you have, your relationship with God would not flourish without communication.

So, how do you communicate with your Heavenly Father?

God communicates with His children in many ways. One of them is through His Word in the Bible. On the other hand, His children can communicate with Him through prayers.

In prayer, you are connected to God. Whenever you pray and talk to Him, you can be sure that He hears you, sees you and understands you. He even understands your prayer even if you cannot find the right words to say. He knows what your heart is crying out for.

If God already knows everything, then why do I still need to pray?

It’s true that God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows everything about you because He created you in His image (Genesis 1:27). Because you are created in His image, you are also called to imitate His behavior.

Jesus showed an utmost importance on praying when He Himself prayed.

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35)


When Jesus prayed, you are also called to pray as an act of obedience.

Isn’t it amazing to know that you are given a special opportunity to spend quality time with a Holy God?

Every prayer time is a time to talk to Him, hear from Him, lift your requests to Him, and rest in His presence. Praying helps you fight the enemy.

It is also a path to finding the answers to your struggles, as said in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.”

How should I pray?

The way Jesus prayed is the best example of how you can pray. His prayer life showed how He wholeheartedly communicated with God the Father.

Luke 5:16 retells that Jesus “would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”

What does the Bible say then about praying like Jesus?

Pray to the Father in secret, as said in Matthew 6:6, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Pray in the Name of Jesus, as said in John 14:6, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

What can I pray for?

In response to His disciples’ request, Jesus taught them to pray.

In Matthew 6:9-13, it is worth noting that the prayer starts with glorifying God. Then, you can then pray for God’s will to be done in your life, in your family, in your community, and in the whole world.

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)


You may also pray for God’s provision, that He may supply your family’s needs.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)


Then, ask God to forgive you from your sins, and to help you forgive those who hurt you.

“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)


Lastly, pray that the Lord will give you the victory from the enemy.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)


Will God hear my prayers?

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

God has given His children the opportunity to come to Him through prayers any time, any day. As John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” His heart remains open to those who want to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

May you find joy as you pray and seek Him each day!

Do you want to know more about prayers? PUSH Pilipinas, CBN Asia’s online show is here to help you and pray with you! Catch it next Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 8:00 PM on the CBN Asia, The 700 Club Asia and Batang Superbook Facebook pages.