Philip Yancey, award-winning author of the book, Where is God when it Hurts, recently wrote in his blog: “As a journalist I have traveled to some 87 countries, and in most of them you can follow the trail of Christian missionaries by the hospitals, clinics, and orphanages they founded.”

He suggested: “One answer to the question, ‘Where is God when it hurts?’, is another question, ‘Where is the Church when it hurts?’

 “Jesus’ followers are God’s designated agents of comfort and help, the literal ‘body of Christ’, as Paul put it.”

In Jesus’ own words, at the Passover feast after He washed His disciples’ feet, He gave them a new command: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Salt&Light gathered the prayers of church leaders for each day of this week, so that as the body of Christ in Singapore, we can pause and pray together as an expression of our unity with each other and the nation.

Day 7: We war in the heavenlies for Your protection

Abba Father, our hearts mourn for the loss of lives due to the coronavirus in Singapore and the nations.

As we mourn, we know that Your heart breaks even more. You say: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

Father, we ask that You comfort those who are mourning. We ask for Your tangible comfort and love to strengthen the hearts of families with members inflicted by the virus. We stand with them.

Father, we speak Your peace that transcends all understanding upon all Singaporeans today and through the pandemic.

We give thanks for Your hand upon this nation thus far and continue to war in the heavenlies for Your protection upon the lives of this land.

We uphold Singapore’s governing authorities and give thanks for their perseverance in efforts to protect the people. Grant them wisdom and bless their labour for Singapore’s well-being.

We uphold the healthcare workers, that you will strengthen their spirit and physical health as they labour on tirelessly. We thank God for their love and care towards the patients. May the joy of the Lord be their strength and encouragement even through disheartening news.

Father, we stand in the gap for minimal cases and fatalities in the days ahead. We trust in Your sovereignty and power.

May we have eyes to see and ears to hear what Your will is through this crisis. Your will is for Your people to turn what the enemy meant for evil for Your good. Your will is for multitudes to hear the message of victory over death and of eternal life through Jesus.

May Christ-followers in this nation arise in faith and conviction to be Your hands, feet and mouthpiece, to shine Your light in this darkness, that more will come to know You this season.

We pray for a huge harvest of souls in all churches across the globe especially this coming Easter. We desire that more will come to know a Hope that is unshakable.

We praise and thank You, Father, for the victory You have won for us. Your perfect love cast out our fears (1 John 4:18). In this world we will have troubles, but we take heart because You have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Thank You in advance that together with You, Your children will turn this for Your glory. 

We speak Your blessings over residents of Singapore:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; 
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

In Jesus’ almighty name, Amen.

– Christine Chean, Head of Prayer Department, Hope Church Singapore

A prayer of surrender: Day Five