Bible reading for 40.Day 2026 | 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Singapore is a highly developed and orderly nation, a society where many religions and cultures meet, a place that pursues success, efficiency and security.

Yet you will find that Singaporeans are anxious and stressed out. The younger generation feels lost, family bonds are fragile and faith is increasingly pushed to the margins.

In other words, Singapore is politically stable and materially prosperous, but it is suffering mental fatigue and spiritual decline.

The Bible says: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Clearly, the urgent question today is: How do we turn people’s hearts toward God?

We must never let “turning Singapore Godward” become merely a religious catchphrase or a series of superficial activities. Rather, we must draw people to God and create a desire in them to live out His will.

What will it take to turn Singapore Godward?

1. The change starts with us

True faith begins with repentance — an encounter with God, a transformed life. Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a resurrection of the soul.

Let God’s Word continually reshape our pattern of living. Let us live not by the world’s values, but by what God says.

2. Be salt and light

Bring the justice, compassion, holiness, love and hope of our faith into the communities around us. This is how we become salt and light in the world.

In your family, lead your household to God.
In school, lead your classmates to God.
In the workplace, lead your colleagues to God.
In church, lead your brothers and sisters to God.
In the nation, lead the people to God.

3. Pray for Singapore’s leaders

The Bible says: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority …” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

As a “watchman” Church, we must pray regularly for our leadership that it will continue to uphold justice, restrain evil and protect the people.

When a nation’s leadership acts according to God’s will, the people “may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”.

Pray that our leaders will …

• Do justice and love mercy
  This means caring for the vulnerable: Low-income families, the disadvantaged elderly, those living alone in hardship, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and others.

• Uphold truth
  We must resist the influence of relativism and hold firm to sound moral direction, including upholding the institution of marriage between one man and one woman.

• Preserve peace
  We must maintain social harmony and good relations between communities.

In summary, a person’s or a nation’s blessing is not measured by economic prosperity alone, but by whether we walk in the will of God. This cannot be overlooked.

May we continue to pray for our nation, and live out our faith in our daily lives, so that Singapore may be a blessed nation!

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You: Thank You for making us citizens of Singapore. Thank You for placing us in this abundant land. 

We earnestly ask:
That the people of Singapore live together in harmony.
That this nation, under Your blessing, will know peace and flourishing.
That every soul will turn to You and find grace, blessing and clarity of purpose in You.
That this nation will grow and flourish in You.

All glory to God! Hear our prayer, in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflect:

1. What can we personally do to turn the hearts of people around us towards God?

2. Who can we be salt and light to this week?

3. How can we start to pray regularly for our nation and our leaders?

Pray:

1. That as we repent of letting our hearts grow cold to Him, the Lord will encounter us again, revive us and resurrect our soul.

2. That we will not be afraid to lead people around us – our family members, friends, colleagues – to God.

3. That the leaders of our nation will continue to uphold justice, restrain evil and protect the people.

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