Bible reading for 40.Day 2025 | 1 Timothy 2:1-4

On August 9, 2025, Singapore celebrates her 60th year of Independence!

Turning 60 is considered a major milestone in life. It is a time for reflection on past achievements, and it holds the potential to embark on new experiences and adventures.

As Christ-followers in this land, it is a good time for us to remember the grace of God that has brought us thus far. SG60: From mudflats to metropolis.

It is also a good time for us to see the potential that God has destined for us – to be an Antioch nation. A nation that will plant Antioch churches that will plant Antioch churches that will further plant more Antioch churches, locally and globally.

This is clearly a vision that is worthy of our best and our all. We must surely go all in for God’s destiny for Singapore.

As we celebrate SG60, one of the ways Christ-followers can go All In is to pray.

The subject of our prayer

Let us walk through Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)

Paul instructs Christians to prioritise prayer for all people, not only for those within the Christian community. We pray for all people, regardless of their race, language and religion.

Then in the next verse, Paul specifically mentions that we pray for those in authority.

“… for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:2)

We should pray for our government, our bosses, our school Principals and teachers, our Pastors and our parents. Pray for them so that we can live in peace and stability.

Moving on, the goal is not just for peace, stability and – if I may add – prosperity as an end.

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

This goal is not your goal or my goal. This goal does not originate from your church or my church or any organisation. This goal is God’s goal.

God’s desire is for all people to be reached and transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

United in prayer

In the summer of 1876, a devastating grasshopper plague destroyed the crops in Minnesota, USA. Fearing a repeat in 1877, farmers were filled with anxiety.

In response, Governor John Pillsbury declared April 26 a day of prayer and fasting, urging the entire state to seek divine intervention. Businesses, schools, and offices closed as people united in solemn prayer.

The next day, temperatures soared to midsummer levels—unusual for April—causing billions of grasshopper larvae to hatch. For three days, the tiny pests multiplied, and fear spread that they would soon ravage the wheat harvest.

Then, on the fourth night, the temperature suddenly dropped, and a frost covered the entire state. By morning, every grasshopper larva had perished, as if wiped out by fire or poison. The people of Minnesota knew that God had heard and answered their prayers. This event became a historic testament to faith, prayer and trust.

God longs to answer the united prayers of His people!

This is why, every year, on August 8 and 9 – the days we celebrate our nation’s birthday – we encourage all believers to go All In to pray at Day of His Power, a national concert of prayer.

In the past, we used to gather in one large venue to pray. For the past three years, we have decided not to let prayer be limited by the size of the venue but by the hunger of our hearts. We have decentralised Day of His Power to many locations, all across Singapore.

2025 is special, because not only is it the 60th year of Singapore’s Independence, it also marks the 30th year of the Day of His Power.

I believe many of you joined us this year in our 40 Days of Prayer, and we pray many of you will join in, year after year.

Why does our unity in prayer matter? Because when we go All In and go all out to pray together, we will make a big dent in the kingdom of darkness and usher in the Kingdom of light all over Singapore and our world.

Our prayer is a most precious gift we can present to Singapore on her 60th birthday.

Let’s pray.

Father, what a privilege to be called the children of God, and we have this privilege to pray. Lord, as we pray, we know that You hear us when we pray according to Your will. Heal our land and help Singapore fulfil her destiny to be the Antioch of Antiochs. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Reflect:

1. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, what are you most grateful to God for

2. Singapore’s destiny is to be an Antioch Church. Pray that the Lord will enable us to rise up to the call to build more Antioch Churches across Asia.

3. As these 40 Days of Prayer come to a close, how will you remain All In? Ask the Lord to show you what to do.

Prayer:

1. That our prayers for the Church, for one another, for the nations, and for the youth will continue to be lifted up after these 40 Days of Prayer.

2. That God will bless our nation with peace, stability, prosperity and most importantly, His presence – that our nation will be transformed by His love.

3. That as Singapore crosses 60 years and Day of His Power, 30, the Church will experience unparalleled unity and purity as it overcomes the darkness with the Light of Christ.

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