The news can really be overwhelming these days. News — both good and bad — never seem to stop, and it’s easy to tune out the “breaking news” coverage. But as the Psalms show us, the Psalmists pour out a range of emotions to God in prayer. Praise, lament, confession, sadness — these are some of the emotions recorded as a response to both personal and larger, corporate circumstances. God can bear the burden of our emotions and the weight of the world.
So as we read the news, we can bear this in mind and turn our emotions into prayers.
Time running out in search for survivors of Indonesia's quake
According to this CNA report, “the official death toll from the 7.5 magnitude quake that struck the west coast of the island of Sulawesi last Friday stood at 1,234, many killed by tsunami waves triggered by the quake.” Pray for those who lost family, friends and livelihood in the quake and tsunami. Pray for comfort and that they will have opportunities to hear of and encounter the God of all comfort.
Pray for survivors still trapped in the rubble that rescue will reach them soon. Pray for rescue teams on the ground that they will be kept safe and will be able to carry out their task. Pray that the necessary aid and medical supplies will be able to reach those that need it the most.
Three reported dead and around 200 hurt as Typhoon Trami hammers Japan
Typhoon Trami was Japan’s 24th typhoon this season and affected many parts of central, eastern and western Japan. Pray for those whose lives have been affected by the typhoon that they will be comforted.. Pray for Christians and churches in Japan, that they will also be able to offer practical help and support for those who have been affected.
Pray for the elderly and homeless, that they will receive the aid and help that they may require.
Fewer exams for students, less emphasis on grades
With changes being made to the education system once again, pray for wisdom for policy makers, parents and teachers as they seek to do their best to educate and help children grow.
Pray especially for Christian parents and families, as they strive to love and disciple children in spiritual matters too. Pray that they can also be witnesses to the world in these matters.
Thank God for the provision of educational opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender and background. Pray for children that might find themselves struggling in the system, that they will find teachers and mentors that will provide the help and support they need.
Class – not race nor religion – is potentially Singapore's most divisive fault line
Pray for wisdom for policy makers as they consider these issues and craft policies for the good of the nation.
As Christians, pray that we will love our neighbours, regardless of what they look like or where they come from. Pray that we will live out the belief that all have been made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and seek to do good in the workplaces, school, cities etc that God has placed us in.
Thank God that the gospel is by grace and not by works, and is available to all who believe. Pray that the churches in Singapore will live out a gospel unity that transcends not only racial barriers, but also class divides.