Since the handover took place in 1997, Hong Kong fell into a state of unprecedented hardship for various reasons. We realize that we cannot immediately change the adversity that comes to us, but we can change in the way how we respond to such an adversity.

Today we see the hopelessness in people toward the environment. For some it is a sense of insecurity or unfairness; for others is anger and sadness. These are all part of human emotion. Perhaps we are not victims of the stock and funds market. We still have a job. We need not deal with stress arising from layoffs and mandatory overtime hours. Perhaps we have not been affected by the various epidemic and food poisoning incidents. I am sure we are still able to understand and identify with the majority of people in the society.

The Bible teaches Christians to walk an extra mile when compared to the unbelievers. This resembles to how the prophet Jeremiah taught the Israelites who were taken captive to pray for the city they resided in (Jer. 29:7). Mankind does not have the authority to pray (Romans 10:14 says: How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?) We have such authority. Mankind does not have someone to pray to, and they do not have a god who listens to their prayers. We have our God. When people are preoccupied with grumbling, criticism, curses and scolding, Christians should pray for the people, events, policies and systems that we feel are not right (even the Lord teaches us to pray for our enemies). This is the unique quality and expression for Christians. We should bless all things, encourage and exhort the people in prayer. We should also express our hopes. Proverbs 27:14 says, "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse."

Christians believe in human rights, freedom, democracy, law and order, because these ideas are affirmed in the Bible. These ideals do not come at once. A sociologist once said, "between ideals and reality lies social engineering, which is a step, procedure and structure any political ideal must possess before ideals can surface in society". Based upon the reality and conditions set in history, we must be pragmatic, self-controlled and patient. Christians are not ideal thinkers, believing that nothing lies between ideal and reality.

We also understand that certain people who are dissatisfied with the concepts and reality might choose to adopt antagonistic attitudes and involve in political battles. We need to pray for the revelations received by these people (both Christians and non-Christians). When we see only blurred images in past history, we believe that God is still sovereign and He works for the good in all things, so that everything may be made good in their time. People can go through the process of refining and learn great spiritual lessons.

We also ask God to remove the bitterness and anger in those people who are involved in the political circle. We hope they would replace curses and scolding with blessings and prayers every morning. If the hosts of these sensational programs are believers in Christ and urge the public to pray for the Chief Executive and government officials, that will be quite remarkable (but do remind the drivers to pray with their eyes opened)! The Bible says, "you do not have, because you do not ask God". It also says that if two or three pray in unity, their prayers will be answered. Believers should therefore pray for Hong Kong and those in authority in both their daily personal prayers and church prayers on Sundays.