What does it mean to be a people after God’s heart? The answer can be found in Acts 13:22: "I have found in David...a man after my heart, who will do all my will."
That is also embodied in the Lord’s Prayer: "Let Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." As we anticipate 2019, the 200th year of the founding of modern Singapore; we continue to pray for His will to be done in and through our city-nation. This prayer is also captured in one of our theme songs, “Amen.” How do we know the will of God? This comes to us mostly through His revealed Word. In each generation, the Church also seeks to discern its application and voice in an ever-changing world.
But how can we discern His will in the daily affairs of our lives? Romans 12:1, 2 is helpful, with my own comments in brackets:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies (whole being) as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (city, family, sub-culture values), but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing (we will make mistakes!) you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Often wisdom and discernment come to those who learn to pray, seek His Face and immerse themselves in His Word. When we pursue intimacy with Him on a personal and daily basis, we cultivate and strengthen our love for Him (1 John 2:15). As we get intimate with and follow Christ, fruitfulness is the result (John 15:5).
When we have an appetite for prayer and seeking His face, joining others to do so in prayer gatherings will become natural and desirable.
Some of the steps to be taken this year:
- We will encourage each other to seek the Lord and read His Word daily. The daily lectionary readings can be accessed from the SAC App. Some may also want to sign up for Bible in One Year, which is written by Revd Nicky Gumbel and his team (https://www.bibleinoneyear.org/).
- We will be organising quarterly prayer retreats to teach and guide members who are seeking to rediscover or enrich their prayer and devotional lives.
- We will commit ourselves to the monthly Prayer and Praise (next meeting on 23 February).
- We will participate in the Year of Prayer events organised by Love Singapore and the Diocese.
