Today, 9th August 2012, Singapore celebrates its 47th birthday.

Praise the Lord for

-  peace for the country and among a multi-racial society
-  relative freedom and security to worship God
- a comfortable standard of living which is available for many and for those who are not yet there, for a government which is ready to assist
- good education that is the route to successful achievement and out of the poverty trap, and opportunity for any who would try their best
- full employment on the whole though as with every country there are pockets of unemployables which the government is seeking to upgrade
- a roof over our heads whether owned or rented
- and for most some savings for the rainy day for medical or personal challenge or loss of employment
- a healthcare system which although fast running out of capacity because of the many foreigners who add to the load in medicare and hospitalization, is still affordable or with available subsidy with no one being denied of required treatment.
- for the many contributions of foreigners who have helped Singapore sustain its competitive edge and are choosing to integrate as Singaporeans despite all odds.

May the Lord continue to bless Singapore with the government of His choice, people who will be good stewards with proper accountability for the rich reserves of the nation and its people. May many be led to the saving grace of the Lord and the harvest call be heard in the land, so many will be propelled to the regions to share of the Lord of mercy and grace and salvation and contribute to the work of saving souls. Surely the Lord has been good to Singapore. May we never fail to appreciate that it is from His hand that we have received all the blessings. Praise the Lord.

On this 47th National Day may all Christian Singaporeans
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Who must we pray for eyes to be opened and turned to the Lord?
• Politicians: the president, cabinet, parliament, diplomats, opposition parties,
ambassadors, etc.
• The legal profession: judges, advocates, lawyers, legal advisers.
• Protection services: heads of police, heads of the military.
• Spiritual leaders: pastors, ministers, priests, rabbis, and also for the spiritual
leaders of other false religions.
• Educational leaders: teachers, inspectors, lecturers, headmasters, rectors.
• Cultural leaders: prominent persons in the entertainment and sports world,
managements of cultural organisations.
• Commercial leaders: figures of authority in the business world, business leaders,
economists, bankers.
• People in authority in the media: editors, executive officials at radio and television stations, editors of magazines.
• Municipal and government officials: mayors, town clerks, executive officials.
• Social leaders: chair persons of clubs and societies.
• For all foreigners who come to the shores of Singapore to work, contribute to our national efforts  and live peaceably among us.
• for the young and old infirmed and cloistered at home and for their carers too.
• all the rest of citizens, permanent residents and those who have come avisiting.

How should we pray for them?
• Pray for their salvation so that they can be reconciled to God. Pray that they will  come into contact with the gospel and that they will experience the love of God.
•Pray specifically that the Lord will send people to them who can witness to them.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and that they will confess their sins  before God and be delivered from the Evil One. Pray specially that corrupt and  unsaved leaders become convicted and that they will seek God’s forgiveness.  Pray for them for pure lives and sober habits.
• Pray for their families (wives and children) for their salvation and that they will  influence the person’s life positively.
• Pray for the person in the execution of his duties, that he will act fairly, humanely and with integrity  and  insight.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will pour out the love of God into the person’s life
• Pray that every Christian will pray and trust in faith, nothing wavering.
Amen.

Theme and Logo

Logo Description   The logo for National Day Parade (NDP) 2012, also known as the “Orchidstar”, incorporates various elements that express this year’s theme “Loving Singapore, Our Home”.   Inspired by our iconic national flower the ‘Vanda Miss Joaquim’ orchid, the NDP 2012 logo reminds Singaporeans from all walks of life, reminding us of this garden city we call “Home”. The vibrant colours of the logo reflect the vitality and diversity of our people. The red heart embedded within the logo symbolises our love for our people and our nation. It also reminds us of the importance of a harmonious and inclusive society. The lip of the orchid is represented as the number ’47′, highlighting our nation’s 47th birthday this year.   The design is also reminiscent of a star; taken together with the child-like script depicting this year’s theme, the “Orchidstar” represents our hopes and dreams through the generations. It reminds all Singaporeans of how we have worked hard for our achievements, and encourages us to reach out together for a brighter future.

Theme for NDP 2012   We are a diverse people comprising different races, religions and languages, making up a melting-pot of varied perspectives. Despite our differences, we are united as one People; as Singaporeans, we possess a unique culture, a common heritage and a shared identity. We have built our nation together, through common ideals and our indomitable spirit. We are bonded in our experiences of Singapore as Home.

http://www.ndp.org.sg/about-ndp/theme-and-logo/

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