For sixteen successive years, Singapore’s pastors and lay leaders have been meeting for a time of prayer over several days. The Prayer Summit this year saw some 570 gather in Malacca from 9 till 12 January. These came from 85 churches and 20 Christian organisations. Age, gender, occupation and racial distribution appear reflective of Singapore. They included two Bishops, several Heads of Denominations and various Christian organisations, many Senior Pastors and a whole range in age, experience, roles and responsibilities of full-time and volunteer staff and workers.

Although we had a renowned international speaker in Dr David Demian, the gathering was devoted more to a time for prayer and reflection. This was indeed a much needed provision. Like the rest of Singapore and even more so for Christian workers, the pace, progress and programs we have in Singapore flood us with targets and timelines , resources to rally and results to record.

Thus it was not easy or an everyday experience to engage in extended times of quiet waiting upon the Lord for His Will and Ways. Silence may seem strange to those who are always active and on the go. These quiet moments of waiting may seem so unproductive and even unnecessary. For Singaporeans, action and activities are appreciated at once but attitudes may not be apparent.

Consistent with the promise that when we gather and agree together in His Name, He is not only present in our midst but also pleased to answer our request, the Lord gave us a sense of His desire for His Church in Singapore. Christians and even non-Christians alike are aware that growths in our churches and Christian endeavours and activities have been significant. This has thus led some Christians to an expectancy to see something of a revival in Singapore. We have heard of these elsewhere and in the history of the Church.. The impact and influence of Dr John Sung could perhaps be regarded as the closest for us in time and space.

Reflecting on what is happening in the Singapore Church and in both global and local trends in society at large suggest that God may indeed have plans for some significant happenings here. This was also strongly sensed by our widely travelled, very experienced and insightful speaker. Do Christians in Singapore desire to see such a revival here? Do we long and pray fervently for such a breakthrough? Are we ready to see God work in these ways such as we have never seen before? Are we prepared to pay the price for such a revival here? Hence, the question posed as the title to this reflection.

For a start, CHRISTIANS MUST BE RIGHT BEFORE GOD AND MAN. Revival often starts with the individual herself / himself. There must be brokenness and contrite hearts, a humility that has no place for self and pride. We need to consider others better than ourselves. Relationships must be characterised with humility, a forgiving spirit and readiness to acknowledge personal faults and failings. We need to realise the barriers to good relationships and teamwork that we so easily put up and fail to take down or even recognise. We also easily forget that He is more concerned with who we are than what we do.

It was very salutary and humbling to see at this very conference outstanding examples where a few well-known and much used pastors / leaders were seen to be moved to display these very attitudes and acts. How we need to long and pray for such attitudes to be true of individuals, in life and ministry, in our various churches. This was very much in resonance with the theme of this year’s Summit “Journeying Together”.

For some time now, we have reminded ourselves that in view of His blessings upon church and country we should be mindful that “to whom much is given, from them much is expected “. More recently, some have shared that we may need to view His blessings on us in Singapore as His Investment in us and that rightfully we owe it to Him to see a RETURN ON SUCH AN INVESTMENT. For some time also, we have reminded ourselves that Singapore could be regarded as an “Antioch in Asia”. Have we been found faithful in fulfilling this expectation? Over the years we have increasingly seen how much His Word has meant to and done for us. We have also seen something of the indwelling and empowering of His Holy Spirit in our lives and ministry.

In parallel with the thinking and experiences at this 17th Prayer Summit, the National Prayer Alliance and the Global Day of Prayer co-workers would like to share something of GDOP 2012. THIS and PENTECOST SUNDAY will be on SUNDAY 27 MAY. Like many in Singapore we are increasingly conscious and excited that 2015 is SINGAPORE’S JUBILEE - its 50th Year. In preparation and as a run-up, GDOP 2012, 2013 and 2014 will be devoted to the theme “TOWARDS JUBILEE 2015”. Many have thus sensed, longed for and anticipate such a revival for Singapore in our Jubilee Year. With the experience of the 17th Prayer Summit we may even see such a revival before 2015 and thus see our Jubilee Year as one of great thanksgiving, joy and celebration for this revival.

I would like to feel that PSPC would very much be involved in these likely happenings. Just as many Christian leaders are waiting and watching, praying and preparing for God’s will and ways so we have the special opportunity to do so beginning with our present challenge and need regarding the position of the Senior Pastor of PSPC. Our growing prayer life is an encouragement. As we experience what God can do with brokenness, contrite hearts, humility, teamwork, watchfulness and prayerfulness, we may well be poised to be part of the revival that we believe we shall see soon in Singapore.

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