Given what is happening in Malaysia, we would urge everyone who is concerned to focus our prayers on three items specifically. This is listed in the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Prayer Guide of August 2015
1. CABINET RESHUFFLE & 1MDB
A. For Peace, Stability & Righteousness in the Nation
i. Prime Minister Najib Razak announced on Tuesday 28 July a list of new ministerial appointments to
take effect on 29th July. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was dropped as Deputy Prime Minister, and replaced
by Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi. Four other ministers have been dropped together with the Attorney
General. Najib also appointed seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers.
ii. Let us pray for God’s hand to be upon all those holding the reins of power so that justice,
righteousness, peace and stability will prevail in the country. As Proverbs 21:1 states: ‘The king’s heart
is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.’ Pray that God will use this
situation for His glory, and the good of all in our land.
iii. Let us pray for those in the new cabinet that they will use their authority solely to advance
righteousness in our nation and its wellbeing. Pray that the political leaders, both in government and
opposition, will act with wisdom and responsibility to enable the nation to sail safely through this
crisis. Pray against all forms of evil and deceit, and that wickedness and corruption be exposed and
uprooted in government and country.
iv. Pray also in particular for Christians MPs, leaders and others in positions of influence, that they will
have the wisdom and courage stand up for truth and morality. Pray that they will find grace to act for
the common good of all peoples and so shape the political scenario in the nation in a manner that
glorifies God.
B. For Truth and Justice
i. Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was the Attorney-General and the key figure in the official investigations
before the reshuffle. He is now replaced by former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
Pray that investigations will progress without hindrance or delay.
ii. Let us pray that truth will be reached. Pray that all involved in the investigation will do so without
fear or favour, to fulfill properly the fiduciary responsibility of their office. Pray that both those
involved in the inquiry and those helping with the inquiry (including witnesses and whistle blowers)
will be shielded from threats, various forms of harm, and any unjust legal actions.
iii. Pray for the Malaysian public will be wise and be able to discern truth from lies in face of the mass
of confusing information on the subject, and will thereby act accordingly.
2. PRAY FOR THE CHURCH IN MALAYSIA
A. That as the church sees the tragedies hitting our nation, we will be awakened to pray and seek
God’s face in repentance and unity. Pray that the church as a whole will know that decisiveness of this
hour for our nation, and take wholeheartedly the challenge to pray. Pray for a deep sense of longing
for revival and hunger for God’s Spirit to work in Malaysia among Christians of all generations.
B. Pray for unity among our church leaders and between churches of different denominations. Pray
for holiness and a return to First Love, as well forgiveness and efforts of reconciliation towards those
who have hurt us. Pray that the Church will work together and coordinate their resources in
empowering impoverished communities in Sabah and Sarawak, and also the Orang Asli in Peninsular
Malaysia.
C. Pray for Christian communities to be a distinctive presence as light and salt in their neighbourhoods,
suburbs, towns and cities. Pray for the Church to rise up in times like this, discerning the times and
having the wisdom to act. Pray for hearts of compassion, that we will be Christ-like and loving, growing
in holiness and purity, realizing our identity and privilege as children of God. Pray that Christians will
know the authority we have in Christ because ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and
love and self-control’ (2 Tim 1:7). Pray for a righteous indignation towards malice and injustice, that
we as the church will ‘…seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.’ (Micah 6:8).
3. COURT CASES
A. Jill Ireland ‘Allah’ case
i. On 22nd June, the Court of Appeal ordered the Home Ministry to return the eight compact discs
containing the word “Allah” to Jill Ireland. It was also decided that the case hearing on her right to use
‘Allah’ as a Christian be heard in a separate suit, before a new judge. Case management is scheduled
for August 12. (Note that the CDs have yet to be returned.)
ii. Pray for wisdom and strength for the lawyers handling the case, as they continue this battle. Pray
for a favourable closure in the matter, that God will be glorified.
C. SIB Sabah ‘Allah’ Case
Pray for case management on Aug 12 for declaration on the constitutional right to use the word “Allah.”
