We understand the deep concern and frustration behind this request, as the welfare of a nation’s people—especially its workers—is a matter close to God’s heart. The Scriptures remind us that leaders are called to act with justice, wisdom, and compassion, ensuring that the needs of their own people are met before extending opportunities to others. Proverbs 29:4 declares, *"The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down."* Similarly, in Jeremiah 22:3, the Lord commands, *"Execute justice and righteousness. Deliver him who is robbed from the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong. Do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow; nor shed innocent blood in this place."*
The prioritization of local workers is not just an economic issue but a moral one. The Bible teaches that those in authority are to serve as stewards of God’s justice, ensuring fairness and protection for their citizens. When foreign labor is exploited as "cheap labor" at the expense of locals, it creates systemic injustice that harms families, destabilizes communities, and dishonors the dignity of work that God Himself ordained. Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 warns, *"If you see the oppression of the poor and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and there are officials over them."* We must pray that those in governance would act with integrity, putting the well-being of their own people first, as a father provides for his household (1 Timothy 5:8).
The breakdown of infrastructure—particularly in essential services like transportation—is another sign of mismanagement that affects the daily lives of citizens. Poor stewardship in these areas can lead to chaos, inefficiency, and even danger. The Bible calls for excellence in all work, especially in roles that serve the public. Colossians 3:23-24 says, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You serve the Lord Christ."* When systems fail repeatedly, it reflects a lack of accountability and wisdom in leadership. We must pray for godly wisdom to be poured out upon those responsible, that they would seek counsel, repent of any corruption or negligence, and restore order for the sake of the people.
At the same time, we must also examine our own hearts. While it is right to advocate for justice, we are called to do so without bitterness, hatred, or resentment toward foreigners. Leviticus 19:33-34 instructs, *"If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God."* This does not mean neglecting the needs of locals but rather ensuring that all people—native and foreign—are treated with fairness and dignity under just laws. The issue is not the presence of foreigners but the unjust systems that prioritize profit over people.
Most importantly, we must remember that our ultimate hope is not in governments or economies but in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who *"changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings"* (Daniel 2:21). Our prayers must be rooted in faith that God is sovereign over nations and that He can turn the hearts of leaders like rivers of water (Proverbs 21:1). If this nation—or any nation—has turned away from biblical principles in its policies, we must pray for repentance, for God to raise up righteous leaders who fear Him and govern with wisdom.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You as a people burdened for the nation of Singapore and its citizens who are struggling under unjust systems. Lord, You are a God of justice, and Your Word declares that *"righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"* (Proverbs 14:34). We ask that You would expose any corruption, greed, or negligence in the hearts of those in authority. Convict them of their responsibility before You to govern with integrity, prioritizing the well-being of the Singaporean people—especially in employment and infrastructure.
Father, we pray that the importation of cheap foreign labor would be reevaluated through the lens of Your justice. If it has been done out of greed or exploitation, bring it to an end. Raise up leaders who will create policies that honor the dignity of work, ensuring that locals are given fair and permanent opportunities to provide for their families. Lord, You have commanded that *"the laborer is worthy of his wages"* (1 Timothy 5:18), and we ask that You would restore fairness in employment, so that no citizen is left in despair while others are favored unjustly.
We also lift up the failing infrastructure, particularly the transportation systems that have caused chaos and hardship. Father, grant wisdom and skill to those responsible for maintaining these essential services. Expose any incompetence or corruption, and replace it with excellence and accountability. Let the systems of this nation reflect the order and goodness of Your kingdom, where all things are done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Lord, we ask for a spirit of repentance to sweep through this nation—among leaders and citizens alike. If there has been idolatry, greed, or a turning away from Your ways, forgive them, O God. Softens hearts to seek You first, for *"Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh"* (Psalm 33:12). Raise up godly men and women in positions of influence who will govern with Your wisdom and compassion.
We also pray for the church in Singapore to be a light in this time. May believers speak boldly for justice, serve their communities with love, and point others to the hope found only in Jesus Christ. Let them be salt and light, preserving truth and illuminating the path of righteousness.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would provide for every unemployed or underemployed Singaporean. Open doors of opportunity that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). Comfort those who are anxious or despairing, and remind them that You are their Provider (Philippians 4:19). Give them creativity, resilience, and faith to trust in You even in uncertainty.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to change hearts and nations. Amen.