After differentiating between parties and personalities, and discerning performances and promises, eligible Singaporeans have voted in the next Government.

Yet in the morning-after quiet following days of heated campaign rhetoric will come the actual work of governing our nation until the next election.

Regardless of the outcome and our feelings, we can be assured that our God has sovereignly presided over every election, including this one.

He is neither shocked nor surprised, though I venture it is possible He could be saddened or smiling when it comes to the specifics.

But even if anyone had meant anything untoward or pernicious, God can still re-purpose things for good. For no one thwarts His ultimate purposes, not even those for our tiny island state. 

We believers play a crucial part in all this, especially in doing what we know to be the first order of business as Christ’s disciples.

Apart from the privilege and responsibility to cast our vote, there is an ongoing privilege and responsibility for believers to pray for those in positions of authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

These “hustings in the heavenlies”, the work of interceding before, during and after an election is never done, as we recognise the unseen reality of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). For until Christ returns, we who are of God know that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). 

So, if we believe that God is ultimately sovereign over all appointments (Romans 13:1, Daniel 2:21), how might we pray that God’s purposes for Singapore’s good continue to prevail? 

Pray for these 6 traits in our new leaders 

I believe we can specifically pray for our Government to demonstrate the following six traits, using the acronym “WISELY”:

W: Wisdom from above

On the surface, James 3:13-17 provides the antithesis to someone with an out-of-control tongue, that he or she ought, instead, to live by “wisdom from above”.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

But looking closer, James does offer practical handles for anyone seeking to be “wise and understanding” for the greater good, including in political office.

So let us pray the truths in this Word for all those voted into positions of authority:

• to be selfless rather than self-seeking (v 14-16)
• to serve with meekness and, thus, honourably (v 13)
• to be impartial yet merciful (v 17)
• be peace-loving rather than antagonistic (v 17)

 I: Integrity

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:3 NIV).

Let us pray for all MPs and Ministers appointed to walk with integrity or blamelessness (Proverbs 2:7).

 The ones who do so are secure (Proverbs 10:9) and protected by integrity’s guidance like that of a moral compass (Proverbs 11:3).

S: Shepherd heart and hands

“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)

Adapting the timeless element in this prophecy for all good leaders, I believe it is not a stretch to use theologian Tim Laniak’s threefold job specs of a good “shepherd”: One who diligently offers provision, protection and guidance.

To think of it, these three functions are reflected in how our Government ministries are organised!

In Provision we can think of the spheres of education, labour (jobs), homes (urban renewal), finance, transport, community development, health, livelihoods (trade & industry).

In Protection, the portfolios of defence, law, home affairs, foreign affairs, water resources come to mind.

In Guidance, we can include all ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Let us thus pray for all MPs and Ministers to continue to formulate and execute sound and sustainable policies that facilitate provision, protection, and guidance to all citizens regardless of race, language, religion, socio-economic status or party affiliation.

 E: Exemplary in conduct

John C Maxwell puts it memorably: “A leader knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” 

After all the electioneering promises, let us pray for a Government in the rank and file to be exemplary in conduct and service, to model public service par excellence.

And as they do, let us as Christian citizens in turn be quick to affirm such conduct, slow to get angry, quick to listen (James 1:9).

L: Lead with courage

Peter Drucker famously said that while “management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things”.

It takes a lot of courage to do what is unpopular but right these days. It is also courageous leadership when one humbly changes course for the better.

Let us pray that voted representatives in parliament will courageously model Micah 6:8, that they may:

• Uphold fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution (‘act justly’)
• Undertake to act compassionately, even toward those who don’t seem to deserve it (‘love mercy’)
• Commit to serve humbly regardless of position and whether anyone knows it (‘walk humbly’)

Y: Yielded leader

A yielded leader is submitted rather than self-serving. After all, no country can thrive in the hands of an individualistic or egocentric leader.

Let us pray that those voted in are:

• Not driven by personal agendas but motivated to fulfil their part in the larger scheme of nation-building.
• Confident listeners of the ground, yet not one quick to discard strong, proven fundamentals for the sake of popularity – Fundamentals like sound family values, for instance (marriage between a man and a woman) or fiscal prudence.
• Nation-unifiers rather than nation-dividers, regardless of party affiliation.

 May we ever seek the welfare of this city that is Singapore on our knees.

May our posture be to stand in the gap for our beloved nation and her leaders.

For surely our great God delights in such prayers (Proverbs 15:8).

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