Humble prayer
Similar to today Christian communities today, prayer was commonplace in Jewish society. At the time of prayer, Jews would stop what they were doing and pray, some discreetly, but others with pretentious display. Jesus was not condemning all public prayer, as indicated by his own prayers in public. He was warning against having impure or hypocritical objectives when conducting public prayer. Private prayer is simply between an individual and God, and will not be susceptible to temptation which exist when praying publicly.
In the following verses, Jesus gives some tips on humble prayer; Matthew 5:7-8 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”
Lessons from Ravi Zacharias’ life
Merely eight months ago, the Christian world was giving Dr Ravi Zacharias a warm send-off at his funeral in May 2020. He was recognised as a well-respected apologist and hailed as the C.S. Lewis of our day. Fast forward eight months later to February 2021, Ravi Zacharias International Ministry (RZIM), the organisation founded by the namesake, accepted an independent investigative report that concluded there were numerous sexual abuses by the late founder involving a number of women over a substantial period of time. This is grievous news to many and a release for those who have been victims. We are thus providing a few resources gleaned globally and locally in response to the scandal.
American Alumnus Ministering Locally
Alumnus Will Stacken & wife Amanda
American Alumnus Will Stacken graduated in May 2018 with a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry. He has been serving in Living Hope Methodist Church since then and has settled down in Singapore with his wife Amanda, a Singaporean. Below is a short interview with him along with his prayer requests.
- Being an American who had ministry experience in the Netherlands, what led you to Singapore and EAST to complete your seminary studies?
I have always been passionate about multicultural ministry and missions. After several successful mission trips to Southeast Asia, I felt that God might be leading me to long-term service in region. By doing my MDIV in Singapore, I had the time, opportunity and necessary tools to test and affirm God’s calling for the future.
Prayer Pointers – 25 February 2021
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19.
We are commanded to make disciples of all nations. In order to continuously send labourers to the mission field, training must go on. Covid-19 has accelerated EAST in its use of onsite, online, and hybrid means to reach and equip leaders for the Great Commission. As you sense God’s calling, do go to EAST, be trained and empowered for ministry.
The Lord is my portion
The word “portion” appears several other times other than this, such as in Psalm 73:26, Psalm 142:5 and most notably Psalm 16:5, which reads: “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.” but what does the word “portion” mean in this context?
In other versions of the bible, “portion” is translated as “inheritance.” When these writers say the Lord is their portion, they mean that he is their allotment, their inheritance, their source of security, and in this case, hope.
If you’ve paid attention to the last few verses, you may have realised that there has been a focus on gratitude and thanksgiving. While this verse may not explicitly call for that, it is relevant, especially when we are reminded constantly about the fallen nature of man, and how the world we live in is a broken one, waiting to be restored when Jesus returns. It can be difficult to read the news every day and feel discouraged by all the sin and suffering everywhere, but this verse reminds us to look to the Lord as our source of security and hope.
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