Scripture is clear. Regardless of your political leanings and preferences, we are all called to pray for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1). In fact, it’s in our own interest to intercede for them, for those in authority are “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4).

And so we must pray for the leadership in Singapore on the momentous occasion of the swearing-in of new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday, 15 May.

Mr Wong will be only the fourth PM the nation-state has had since Independence almost six decades ago, after Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh Chok Tong and Mr Lee Hsien Loong, who will remain as Senior Minister in the new Cabinet. Earlier this week, Mr Wong also announced changes to his Cabinet, including appointing Mr Gan Kim Yong as Deputy Prime Minister.

Join us by covering our governing authorities in prayer, according to how Scripture teaches us to pray.

PRAY THAT THE NEW PRIME MINISTER AND HIS LEADERSHIP WILL HAVE …

1. WISDOM & DISCERNMENT
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” … “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” (1 Kings 3:9, 12)

2. UNDERSTANDING & KNOWLEDGE
“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.” (Proverbs 28:2)

3. A SPIRIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

4. A HEART OF INTEGRITY
“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did…” (1 Kings 9:4)

5. A HEART FOR JUSTICE
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)

6. A HEART OF COMPASSION
“Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” (Daniel 4:27)

7. BOLDNESS TO DO RIGHT
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

8. GOOD COUNSEL
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

9. UNITY
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)

10. HEALTH
“You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honour the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.” (Daniel 5:23)

11. PEACE
“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.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

12. JOY
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

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“Will you cover our new Prime Minister in prayer?”: LoveSingapore