We celebrate Singapore’s 45^th National Day tomorrow.  We as her people have enjoyed much goodness and peace.  These do not come by chance but because we have a good government that cares for her people.  And this government has come by God’s kindness to us.  Thus, as we celebrate the nation’s birthday, we must remember to thank and give God the glory.

Pray for the Nation’s Leader

At the same time, the Bible exhorts us:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions. (1 Timothy 2:1-2a)

We must pray for our Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers.  The task of governing the country is immense and can be overwhelming.  They and their families have also made much sacrifices.  Pray that God will give them good health.  Pray for their family members.  Pray that they will work with one heart.  Pray for wisdom.  Above all, pray that God will help them to maintain high moral standards because “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov 14:34).

Purpose of Prayer

A main reason why we must pray for them is not only that they may be able to create more good job opportunities or raise the living standards of our people.  The most important reason is that the gospel can prosper:

that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the manChrist Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:2b-5)

In other words, pray that God will help them to govern the country by maintaining laws that are of high moral standards and laws that will continue to allow us to practice our faith freely and hence live godly lives.  In this way, our lives can attract people to Christ that lives may be saved into eternal life because Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

By this, first, Paul means that people come to know Christ by Christians’ good testimonies. Let’s always take effort to live holy lives before God, to be responsible in our work and above all to love those around us.  Second, such testimonies are helped by a good government.  We may not be in a position to help the cabinet ministers but we can sustain them by our prayers for them.

A Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, we thank you for leading our nation these past 45 years.  The goodness we enjoy in this land has come by Your mercies and kindness.  We want to pray for our nation’s leaders, asking that you will give to our Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers good health and a unity of hearts as they co-labour with each other.  Take care of their families.  Give them wisdom and, above all, a heart that fears God and exalts righteousness that they may craft policies that please you.