Voice: Jennifer
Today is Tuesday, 20th of October. Let’s gather our scattered thoughts and be still in His presence.
We pray:
Almighty and everlasting Father,
we thank you that you have brought us safely
to the beginning of this day.
Keep us from falling into sin or running into danger;
order us in all our doings;
and guide us to do always what is right in your eyes:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 133
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.
1 Timothy 2: 1-7
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Praying for our Nation
When we think about our nation, what comes first: gratitude, anxiety, criticism or prayer?
Paul’s words invite us to examine our response. “First of all,” he writes, urging the church to prioritise praying for everyone, including those entrusted with authority. Prayer belongs at the heart of the church’s life and our concern for society.
We pray because God remains sovereign over the nations. Our leaders carry responsibilities that few of us fully understand. They need wisdom to make difficult decisions, integrity to resist wrongdoing, and compassion to care for those whose voices are easily overlooked. We can pray for them even when we disagree with their decisions. Such prayer does not excuse injustice. It places our concerns before the God to whom every ruler must answer.
Paul also calls us to give thanks. In Singapore, peace and security can become so familiar that we take this for granted. Gratitude helps us recognise the good while remaining attentive to what needs to change.
But our prayers must reach beyond those who govern. Who are the people we pass each day without noticing? The worker repairing our roads, the neighbour from another country, the person whose culture may frustrate us—all belong within the circle of our prayer. As we bring them before God, we learn to see them as people made in His image.
Paul’s concern reaches further still. God desires people to be saved and to know the truth. We pray for peace so that people may live with dignity and hear the good news of Jesus Christ. There is one God and one mediator, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. No nationality or social background places anyone beyond His concern.
Today, as we think of our nation, thank God for one blessing.
Then pray for one concern. For example, the terrible haze situation.
Remember one leader by name. And finally, pray for someone you would otherwise overlook, asking that they may come to know Christ’s love.
We pray the Collect that is used during National Day, that is also based on 1 Timothy 2:1-7:
Almighty God
who desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of Your truth,
help our national leaders to serve with wisdom,
a heart of compassion,
and with righteousness and justice.
We pray regularly for them
that we may live quiet and peaceful lives
in all godliness and holiness
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen.
Be blessed by, God of the City by Chris Tomlin.
You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
There is no one like our God
There is no one like you, God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done
We believe, we believe in you, God
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Greater things, still to be done here
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen. Unless otherwise stated, the reflections are written by Revd Wong.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at info@mpcc.org.sg. We also welcome donations to MPCC. Information on how you may give can be found in this link.
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