Grace Libero

This 6-Year-Old Prayer Warrior Regularly Serves Inspiration on Social Media

Article (news)

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738993871575batch_prayer warrior.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Prayer warrior RR Ricalde</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>When<strong> RR Ricalde</strong> was eight months old, he fell off his stroller, resulting in a crack on his head that needed to be stitched. He collapsed due to shock and was hospitalized, but he survived. “<em>Kaya</em> thankful <em>kami kay</em> Lord. <em>Sabi namin</em>, <em>ide</em>-dedicate <em>namin siya sa Panginoon</em>,” his mom <strong>Michelle</strong> told <strong>Metro.Style</strong>. </p><p>RR, now six years old, is the third in a brood of four. His parents are raising him and his siblings to have a strong faith in God, encouraging them to be servants and use themselves as instruments in spreading His word. A platform RR’s mom, Michelle, found perfect for this mission of ministering is social media. She would post inspiring Bible quotes until, in November 2023, she blessed people’s feeds with a video of RR praying and sending out words of encouragement. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzSyrSBu801/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A9819847.599999994%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Their first post was titled “Say Amen:” “Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I have ever imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. Thank you, Lord, for everything. Thank you for giving us Jesus who died on the cross to save us from sins. In Jesus’ name, I pray.” </p><p>Simple yet impactful and heartfelt, their posts are warmly received by netizens. “<em>Hindi po namin </em>goal <em>na maging</em> [content creator], <em>mag</em>-vlog or whatever. <em>Wala po kaming ganu’n</em>. <em>Ang gusto lang talaga namin makapag</em>-minister <em>sa mga tao</em>, <em>sa mga </em>lost <em>na</em> souls,” Michelle shared, recalling the beginning of what would become part of her and RR’s daily rituals. “<em>Sabi niya</em> [RR], why not make it a habit <em>na makapag</em>-inspire <em>po sa mga tao</em>? <em>Kasi ang dami po talagang nangangailangan ng</em> hope from the Lord.“</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0gYnTSI0eE/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A9888248.900000006%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1a9qe4gktD/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A9923688.5%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>In a sea of online content, the videos of RR praying with heartwarming sincerity and purity are such a breath of fresh air. RR and his mom have created all sorts of meaningful and intentional prayers, short and long, that apply to different people and situations: prayer for healing, faith, discernment, travel, protection, birthdays and holidays, tests, friends who are sick, people who lost a loved one, people affected by calamities, financial breakthrough, miracles, the forgiveness of sins, restoration, among others.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738992598942rr and michelle ricalde 1.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">RR and his mom Michelle</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738992713400rr and his family.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ricalde family</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>From time to time, RR would also tell stories and read excerpts from the Bible. Asked what his favorite story from the Bible is, RR said it’s the story of King David. “He was brave and was obedient to God,” he shared.</p><p>RR’s prayers would get hundreds of thousands of views, some even millions, on social media. His half-a-minute prayer got over three million views and more than 300,000 likes. His “Thank You Lord” prayer has over two million views and 200,000+ likes. His “Prayer to Have a Thankful Heart” received over 1.5 million views and 100,000+ likes. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5p_9WIrNRE/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A9982976.300000012%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-22" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5p_9WIrNRE/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A22%2C%22os%22%3A10055435.400000006%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-22" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-24" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C34uwqFpC7v/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A24%2C%22os%22%3A10098955.400000006%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-24" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>He would even get prayer requests and receive many positive comments which Michelle would show and read to him. “<em>Hindi pa niya naiintindihan masyado &#x27;yung </em>comments. [I would tell him] &#x27;<em>Anak</em>, <em>into, ang dami mong</em> comments. <em>Hindi po namin masyado masagot lahat</em>. <em>Sobrang dami po talaga. </em>Heart-heart <em>na lang doon sa</em> comments. <em>Nababasa niya po</em>. <em>Binabasa ko po sa kanya kapag nagwo</em>-worship <em>kami</em>,” Michelle said, adding that she’s glad that many are inspired by their prayers. </p><p>Beyond these social media numbers, though, what’s more important for Michelle is the number of people whose lives are touched by RR’s prayers. </p><p>What’s even more inspiring is that RR doesn’t just read these prayers; he helps his mom write them, too. “<em>Kino</em>-compose <em>po namin </em>together. Sometimes, &#x27;<em>yung</em> prayers <em>niya talaga, </em><em>nagugulat ako kapag nagsasalita lang siya</em> out of nowhere,“ Michelle shared, amazed by RR&#x27;s outspokenness and willingness to share stories. This is why even with his eyes closed, he knows these prayers by heart and would recite them wholeheartedly. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7UPzggqUaw/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A9589326.099999994%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Maraming natutulungan ng</em> prayers,” Michelle said. “’<em>Yung isang nag</em>-follow <em>sa amin</em>, <em>naging</em> friend <em>na rin po namin</em>. So, <em>nu’ng mangananak na siya</em>, <em>talagang ’yung</em> situation <em>niya</em>, 50-50. <em>Pero</em> she came across the prayer, ’<em>yung</em> prayer for safe delivery <em>ng</em> baby. <em>Nakakuha siya ng</em> strength <em>daw po sa</em> <em>Panginoon</em> through that prayer. <em>Kaya nagulat siya kasi na</em>-deliver <em>niya nang maayos </em>’<em>yung</em> baby <em>niya</em> normally <em>at talagang wala siyang</em> complications. <em>Pero takot na takot daw po siya noong time na iyon</em>. <em>Kaya nakapangingilabot</em>, goosebumps, <em>kasi</em> the Lord is really working in miraculous ways.” </p><p>Because of the global reach of social media, RR’s prayers not only reach people in the Philippines but also those abroad. Fashion icon Heart Evangelista liked one of their prayers on Instagram, and Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger would even leave comments on his prayers. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738996969088heart like.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738996994286nicole comment.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Recently, when several wildfires broke out in California, RR and Michelle dedicated prayers to those affected by the disaster: “Heavenly Father, we come to you with hearts heavy for the people, animals, and land of Southern California. As wildfires rage, we ask for your divine intervention. Calm the winds and bring gentle rains to quench the flames and restore the land. Protect the brave firefighters and the first responders who risk their lives to save others. Grant them strength, wisdom, and endurance in their efforts. Surround affected families and communities with your peace and comfort, especially those who lost loved ones, homes, or livelihoods. Lord, we pray for safety and provision for those who are displaced. Mobilize neighbors and communities to extend compassion and assistance to one another. May your presence bring hope and healing amid the destruction. Help us to be good stewards of the earth and to care for the land you have entrusted to us. Teach us to honor and protect it for future generations. We place our trust in you, knowing you are our refuge in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”      </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-26" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEof0b7zP7a/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A26%2C%22os%22%3A10360319.400000006%2C%22ls%22%3A7609648.400000006%2C%22le%22%3A7610365.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-26" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>RR is growing up with mindfulness and an unshakable core grounded on solid spirituality. He spends a significant amount of time praying and reading the Bible, but at the end of the day, this prayer warrior is just like any other kid, too. He loves listening to music, watching vlogs like <em>Ryan&#x27;s World</em>, and playing basketball. He gets to play with gadgets, but it is always balanced out with time playing outdoors. </p><p>Knowing that her kid is also a natural in public speaking, Michelle thought it best to have him recite prayers to share with everyone, harness RR&#x27;s potential, and maximize the power of the social media platform to inspire and motivate. She said, “<em>Kasi si</em> RR, <em>hindi siya mahiyain</em>.<em> Nag-usap kami</em>. <em>Sabi ko</em>, <em>anak</em>, pray <em>tayo</em> publicly for God&#x27;s glory to share His love, His goodness, His faithfulness. <em>Para ma</em>-inspire <em>ang mga tao </em><em>tapos maka</em>-help <em>ka rin sa mga</em> hopeless, <em>sa</em> lost, <em>sa</em> struggling, <em>sa</em> suffering, <em>sa mga </em>sick people.“ In their own little ways, RR is happy to be a vessel of His purpose. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738995024212rr ricalde.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>In January, Michelle shared a screen-recorded video, showing their notifications from people who are moved by their prayers. She shared, “I am overwhelmed and deeply moved! My social media feeds are overflowing with love and inspiration. I never imagined that a simple, heartfelt prayer could travel so far and bring a glimmer of hope to hearts that feel lost and broken. How incredible would it be if we all prayed together? United in prayer, we could witness the miraculous and see God work in ways beyond our imagination.” </p><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Get your dose of inspiration from </em></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rrprayerwarrior/reels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>@rrprayerwarrior</em></strong></a><strong><em> on Instagram.</em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Photos courtesy of <strong>Michelle Ricalde</strong><strong></strong></p>

<p>Meet six-year-old RR Ricalde whose heartfelt prayers give people inspiration and motivation.</p>

Meet six-year-old RR Ricalde whose heartfelt prayers give people inspiration and motivation.