2014 Week 2

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
                                                                                      Matthew 12:44-46 (NIV)

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
                                                                                       Philippians 3:7-9 (NIV)


1. As we start the New Year, may the Lord help us in reassessing our priorities in all areas of our lives. To whoever seeks first His Kingdom and His righteousness, He has promised that all these things will be given to us as well. There is much to be thankful for the past year but there are also lots of challenges ahead of us for the year to come. May we continue to rely upon Him and be in tune with the Holy Spirit's guidance all along the way.

2. Pray for the building project and all the preparations for the new building occupancy. May the Lord grant us the unity and strength to complete His task. Please continue to pray for good and suitable tenants and the remaining spaces to be leased on the 4th and 5th floors. Pray for the completion of all the lease formalities and renovation procedures.  Pray also for the all the "after occupancy" administrative and financial details to be looked after.

3. Continue to pray for the Pastoral staff, deacons and other leaders with all the challenges ahead as we step into a new building. Pray for them as they lead and shepherd the flock. Pray for a clear vision to be imparted and for more labourers in the harvest field. Pray for strength, endurance and deep reliance upon Him as well as willingness to obey Him and follow His promptings. May the Lord be glorified in our midst.

4. Pray for all the various ministry group meetings scheduled for January/ February.  Pray as the ministry group leaders meet and plan ahead for the year to come, they will be guided by Him. Pray for wisdom and unity of vision and purpose in all the decisions and action plans to be made.

5. Pray for the Sunday School class taught by Pastor Richard on “Gospel and Work”. So often we find ourselves driven to meet increasing work demands. Pray that as we look at a distinctively Christian view of work and explore biblical wisdom relevant to our questions about work, we will be able to make it applicable to our situation and find answers to questions like “Why am I doing this work?” “Why is it so hard?” “Is there anything we can do about it?”

6. Continue to pray for our youth as we are still searching for a Youth Pastor. Pray for all the helpers and counselors as they shoulder the workload and strive to grow and lead others into maturity in Christ. Pray that God will raise up a new generation of young leaders amongst us as they seek to reach out to their peers and make His name known to them.

7. Pray for the community service programs to begin in earnest in April 2014. Pray for volunteers response as we seek to help out in various areas from support to programming to running activities. Pray that as we seek to reach to the community around us in a variety of ways, people's lives will be touched in a practical manner and His name will be honoured.

8. Continue to pray for our missionaries as they also plan ahead for the New Year. Pray for those returning to the mission field after home assignment as they renew the contacts or deepen the relationships and build upon what has been started. Pray for those planning for future short term or long term assignments that God will continue to guide their paths and confirm the calling He has upon their lives.