Young Adults' Group

A Time To Pray

by Pastor Mark
February 13, 2020

The encouragement to pray

As we face the grave danger of the spread of the coronavirus in Singapore, how should we learn to exercise our faith? Our faith should drive us to pray. No matter what challenges we are faced with, our response should be one of prayer. We should look up to the Lord and seek His involvement and help. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to give priority to prayer. Paul wrote, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,” (1 Tim 2:1) The word “exhort” in Greek is “parakaleo” which means to “come alongside and to encourage”. Paul was encouraging Timothy to give primacy to enter into the ministry of prayer. As Paul emphasised this focus on prayer for Timothy, let us also be encouraged to emphasise prayer in facing this threat.

The ministry of prayer

Many are fearful of the danger of the coronavirus. Their natural concern is for themselves, how they can be provided for and be protected during this difficult period. It really should not be just about ourselves.

Prayer should be seen as a ministry. Whether it is making supplication, prayers, intercessions or giving thanks, let us enter into the ministry of prayer for others. It matters whether we pray or not. Prayer is meant to be one of the active ways of approaching our challenges. Through the means of prayer, we can make a difference to all who are impacted by the coronavirus in one way or another. Let us be concerned enough to intercede and to pray on behalf of all men.

1. Pray for our leaders

Let us pray for our leaders who are in authority. (1 Tim 2:2) Leading the country as to how to fight this threat of the coronavirus is extremely difficult. We pray for God to grant them the knowledge and wisdom they need to address the spread of this virus, for the lives of Singaporeans are at stake.

2. Pray for those who have the virus

Let us intercede for those who have caught the virus, that God would be merciful to each one of them and for the Lord to comfort their families during this time of great concern.

3. Pray for those in the frontline fighting this disease

Let us pray for those who work in our hospitals and clinics as they face the threat of this virus every day. May the Lord keep watch over them, especially those who are our brethren!

4. Pray for our church

Let us pray that God’s grace and mercy would specially protect us as a church and that we would do our part to be diligent in ensuring all measures are properly kept even as we seek to worship the Lord each Sunday.

5. Pray for our families and ourselves

Lastly, let us pray for our families and ourselves that God would grant us His protection, love and peace as we live in godliness and reverence. (1 Tim 2:2) Let us be challenged to look to God in prayer and to intercede for others during this difficult period of time.

Back to Article Listing