However, no one can guarantee that Singapore will always be prosperous and safe.  In the midst of gloomy global economic outlook, lurking threat from terrorism and uncertainties in regional security, as well as various societal challenges from within such as an aging population and others, it is obvious that we may lose all the things that we now cherish and enjoy.  This may also mean that we are unable to secure these things for our future generations should we as a nation not manage them well.  Hence, as we celebrate our nation’s 51st birthday, we should keep our country in prayer.  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

As we pray for our nation, besides praying for prosperity and material abundance, we really need to pray for our leaders.  If they are corrupt and do not uphold justice, we as a nation will certainly miss out on God’s blessings.  When leaders lack integrity, the problem of corruption, for instance, propagates down to the people: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34).  Pray that God will give our leaders wisdom in governing the nation with justice and honesty.   In addition, we should also pray for all Singaporeans, including ourselves, that we strive in unity to create a more loving and inclusive society.  If most of us here only care for our own gains and are unwilling to lend a helping hand to those in need, Singapore would be such a cold and heartless place.  It will definitely not be a place to call home.  There is no sense of security as we need to constantly look out for ourselves lest we lose out or are bullied by others.  On a separate note, we also need to guard ourselves against being very judgemental.  There is this worrying trend where people are becoming “expert commentators” who pass careless judgemental remarks on others.  The situation is made worse with a widespread use of social media.  We have witnessed many minor incidences spiralling into unnecessary gossip as a result of people sharing a piece of juicy story together with their cheap remarks that are not at all constructive and are often one-sided.  We should do our part to stop this from growing if we want to live in a harmonious society.  Also, as Christian, we should pray that we can be effective as the salt and the light to this nation.  Pray that God grants us compassion for people to spread His love to various parts of the society.  Although the Christian community as a whole has done a good work in this aspect, we can still do more on an individual and church or corporate levels.

This coming National Day falls on a Tuesday where we usually have church prayer meeting.  Taking advantage of the National Day public holiday, we want to encourage all of us in TOLCC to make time to join us in prayer for our nation.  It will not be a usual prayer meeting.  We will have time to watch the live telecast of National Day Parade and enjoy a potluck dinner.  Hence, besides coming together to pray for our nation, it is also a time to fellowship and bond with other church members.  There are other programmes in the line-up.  Stay tuned for more details.  In any case, I hope you can avail yourself to a different but meaningful National Day celebration.