Other Prayer Concerns

Monday, April 19th, 2010

OTHER PRAYER CONCERNS:

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - 2010

Judge Rules National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional

On April 15, 2010, United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, for the Western District of Wisconsin, struck down the National Day of Prayer statute, as violating the Establishment Clause. Judge Crabb ruled that the statute serves no secular purpose, but rather calls the nation to engage in a religious exercise – prayer.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to Americans. It is a tradition that dates back to 1775 and it is not for a Judge to take away. We the people called for the day of prayer and for 59 years we have practiced our freedom to gather and pray.

“Please remain in prayer with us about this critical matter. We know God is in control. And, whatever lies ahead, we are committed to stirring the hearts of Americans to prayer and to preserving the National Day of Prayer as a vital expression of our nation’s cherished religious liberties.”

– Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley)
Chairman, NDP Task Force

THE WAR

The Kyrgyzstan protest, in which 17 anti-government rioters were killed,  highlights its vital role for the U.S. war in Afghanistan and reliance on a key airbase there necessary for war support and supply.

Tensions are expanding between President Obama and Afghan President Karzai, after Karzai accused the U.S. of interfering in recent elections and indicated he might join the Taliban if U.S. pressures continue.

Pray about American relationships with nations in and adjoining the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

TERRORISM

President Obama’s advisers plan to remove terms such as “Islamic radicalism” from the National Security Strategy document to emphasize the U.S. does not view Muslim nations through the lens of terrorism.

Turkish police detained 19 officers, including four generals, as part of an investigation into an alleged plot by elements of the secular military seeking to replace the Islamic-rooted government.

Pray for those members of our government who will stand against radical Islamism and terror.

THE ECONOMY

In a surprise move, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is meeting with Chinese officials in Beijing regarding alleged currency manipulation of world currencies by the Chinese.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis  launched a “We Can Help” campaign encouraging low-wage and immigrant workers to turn in employers who are shortchanging their pay as part of an expanding effort to enforce wage and hour rules.

Pray about both foreign and domestic efforts that could greatly impact the American way of life.

JERUSALEM AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Hamas and several other Palestinian factions have indicated they will stop rocket attacks against Israel, so as not to give the Israeli Defense Forces an excuse of launch a major offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Israel this week began distributing millions of protection kits against biochemical warfare, although they stressed the distribution was not linked to any imminent threat. 

Pray against the ongoing culture of retribution that exists in the Middle East.

HEALTH CARE

A joint lawsuit has been filed by some 18 states against the health care reform act alleging it violates the Constitution’s commerce clause by requiring nearly all Americans to buy health insurance, enforced by the Internal Revenue Service.

An infectious virus known as XMRV linked to two diseases is drawing the attention of public health officials who are investigating the potential threat to the nation’s blood supply.

Pray about the equity and wisdom of health programs in our nation.

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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

THE WAR
Two US drone attacks killed seven in a Pakistan Taliban stronghold Wednesday, although militants elsewhere continued their casualties at a Pakistani police security checkpoint.

The Afghan army and national police have lost 13,000 weapons, 200,000 rounds of ammunition, 89 vehicles and one pair of night vision goggles, according to members of a US task force.  Our fighters continue to find some caches.

Pray for the allies of the U.S. and NATO as they work to defend their own countries against Muslim extremists.

TERRORISM
A Pakistani court charged five young Muslim Americans from Virginia with planning terrorist attacks in South Asia, and conspiring to wage war against Pakistan and its allies. They have entered not-guilty pleas.

After the Yemeni government accused militant rebels of not complying with a ceasefire, the rebels released  178 civilians and government officials.  The ceasefire there is exceedingly fragile.

Pray against terror and its many international manifestations.

THE ECONOMY
Wholesale prices of food and energy fell 0.6 percent in February, while other wholesale prices reported a 0.1 percent increase.  Compared with a year earlier, wholesale prices are up 4.4 percent.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner forecasts a slow jobless recovery into 2011 and 2012, with a growth rate of about 3 percent.

Pray for an acceleration in the long-term growth of the American economy.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Emboldened by the latest U.S.- Israeli disagreements, Palestinian Authority President Abbas is again insisting on “a complete cessation of settlement activities” before renewed peace negotiations.

President Obama in a show of impatience with Israel has recalled Special Envoy George Mitchell, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly defended Jewish settlement construction in East Jerusalem.

Pray about the commitment that the United States has toward Israel and the Palestinian people.

HEALTH CARE
At least 105 products containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), a processed food flavor enhancer, have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration as contaminated with salmonella.

First Lady Michelle Obama, speaking at a meeting of Grocery Manufacturers Association, told them to “step it up” on the delivery of healthier snacks and packaged foods, especially those enjoyed by children.

Pray for the safety and nutrition of our food, both what is packaged and what is fresh. 

You are my portion, O Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
Psalm 119:57

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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

THE WAR

Killings of at least eight Iraqi Christians in the northern city of Mosul has sparked an exodus from the Arab-controlled Kurdish areas in the run-up to the elections scheduled for Sunday.

Richard Holbrook, U.S. enjoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, is deeply concerned over the loss of free press in Afghanistan since that government has placed restrictions on media coverage of militant assaults.

Pray about the many issues that the fledgling democracies of this area must concern themselves with.

TERRORISM

A network of caves utilized by Al Qaeda and Taliban militants said to be their largest final hold-out has been seized by the Pakistani military after a weeks-long offensive.

Iran is not cooperating with the UN nuclear watchdog’s investigation into the country’s nuclear program, defiantly stating that the program is intended for peaceful civilian use, despite uranium enrichment reaching 20%.

Pray about the continual tensions that exist in this region, and the spillover that impacts the rest of the world.

THE ECONOMY

According to the Commerce Department, for the first time since the Great Depression, Americans took more aid from the government than they paid in taxes last year, in welfare, unemployment and other government benefits.

Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Donald Kohn, a 40-year veteran of the U.S. Central Bank, will step down in June, giving President Barack Obama a freer hand to reshape the institution with new appointments.

Pray about the continuing downward spiral of the U.S. economy and its impact on our citizens.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

At a meeting in Cairo, Arab foreign ministers have agreed to seek a resumption of indirect Palestinian-Israeli talks, which should see some fresh negotiations soon. The Palestinian Authority has not agreed to participate.
Israeli police stormed into the hotly disputed Temple Mount area of Jerusalem’s Old City to disperse Palestinian stone throwers near the mosque where a group of tourists had assembled. They stood guard there until calm was restored.

Pray about attempts to develop peace in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

HEALTH CARE

Food-borne illnesses, such as E-coli and salmonella, not only take a toll on American health, they are estimated to have cost the U.S. $152 billion annually, according to the Produce Safety Committee, as 76 million each year are sickened.

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University stated that Dimebon shows virtually no effect in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, on either cognition or behavioral problems, when compared with a placebo.

Pray about the overall health of Americans with respect to both food and medications.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

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Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

THE WAR

Afghan Administrator Abdul Zahir has arrived in Marjah, the most overt sign so far that the military campaign for that city is winding down in favor of civilian administration of economic and public services.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, still admits that the surge in southern Afghanistan is going slower and is more costly than expected due to Taliban resistance and deadly roadside bombs.

Pray with urgency that God would look favorably upon the allied efforts in this region and bring about peace.

TERRORISM

Pakistani officials report they have arrested 7 of the 15 senior members of Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership, council, including the head of Taliban military operations in Afghanistan.

A senior Russian diplomat has warned the West against trying to paralyze Iran by targeting the Islamic Republic’s energy and banking sectors with crippling sanctions in view of Iran’s nuclear development programs.

Pray with urgency for all those working overtly and undercover to stabilize these terror-driven regions of the world.

THE ECONOMY

Confidence among U.S. consumers fell in February to the lowest level in 10 months; a sign that concerns about job prospects may hold back the spending needed to sustain a recovery.

The FDIC reported that the number of “problem” U.S. banks jumped 27% to 702 banks during the fourth quarter of 2009, a sign that the industry’s recovery is shaky at best.

Pray with urgency as so many economic indicators point to an ongoing long-term recession impacting many.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel’s claim to two Biblical shrines in the West Bank, the Tomb of Rachel and the Tomb of the Patriarchs, has resulted in swift condemnation by the Palestinians, with Mahmoud Abbas stating the claim “could spark war.”

Ancient stone fortifications were recently uncovered outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City that date back some 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and First Temple days, according to archeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar.

Pray with urgency that God would protect those places and artifacts, which clearly show support of His Word.

HEALTH CARE

New federal guidelines caution that Americans taking a daily dose of aspirin to lower their risk of heart attack or certain types of stroke should reconsider due to the risk of intestinal bleeding.

A poll taken in January by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Americans continue having misgivings about the Obama health care reform legislation as being too sweeping, although numbers are declining.

Pray with urgency about every level of government influence and participation in Americans’ health care issues.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

THE WAR

Afghanistan’s American commander, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, has made the rapid delivery of governmental services including education, health care and job programs, a central part of his post-containment strategy in Marja.

Taliban militants have been seen placing women and children on the roofs of buildings and firing from behind them as they battle against the joint Afghan-NATO offensive, according to an Afghan National Army general.

Pray that the surge in Marja, Afghanistan, will come to a rapid and successful conclusion.

TERRORISM

There is growing speculation that the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, may have been behind the recent  mysterious assassination  of a Hamas military commander in Dubai, an allegation strongly denied by Israel.

A top Russian defense official has said that the delivery of S-300 mobile missile launchers to Iran has been delayed until “technical issues” are resolved.

Pray that the actions of Dubai and Russia do not add to the destabilization in the region.

THE ECONOMY

President Barack Obama vigorously defended the $787 billion stimulus bill saying it had saved or created as many as 2 million jobs, while a CBS poll found only 6% of Americans believed jobs had been created thereby.

New credit card rules will take effect February 22^nd setting strident limits on credit card fees banks charge, but consumers should be cautioned to monitor their balances carefully.

Pray for the economic condition of not only our nation, but of our neighbors; unemployment is still 9.7%.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

At a press conference, Iranian President Ahmadinejad claimed that Israel is seeking to start a war “next spring or summer” although no decision was firm, and neither was the intended target.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for “sanctions, and sanctions with teeth” against Iran, particularly on the importing and exporting of fuel.

Pray that the men who have political control of these nations will maintain their war to rhetoric only.

HEALTH CARE

The United Nations World Economic Forum reports that world food output needs to increase by 70% by 2050 due to increases in global population.  More than one billion people currently suffer from hunger and poverty.

Last year 73,000 American men (86% of the 85,000 total) who had prostate cancer surgery had the surgery done with robot assistance, an ever-increasing operation tool.

Pray for those who invent and improve technology for the benefit of us all, whether in food or medicine.

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God’s faithfulness is on display every single day. Every new morning is a gift from
God, and a sign of His eternal presence.
Lamentations 3:22-23

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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

THE WAR

Pakistan has told the U.S. it wants a central role in resolving the Afghan war and has offered to mediate with Taliban factions who use territory and have long served as its allies, according to American and Pakistani officials.

A new wave of younger, more resilient warlords has surfaced in the Afghanistan war, relying more on cell phones and other technology, and receiving their funding from wealthy Muslim donors.

Pray that an honorable end can be found to the long war in Afghanistan.

TERRORISM

Iran has begun making advanced unmanned drones capable of surveillance, detection and assaults with high precision according to its defense minister.

The deputy leader of the Yemeni branch of Al Qaeda has called for new attacks on U.S. interests “everywhere”, including Saudi oil fields and Persian Gulf waters, particularly targeting Christians and Jews.

Pray that God would extend his hand of protection over our military and our essential global interests.

THE ECONOMY

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has begun outlining how the central bank may tighten monetary policy and end programs used to prop up the economy during the financial crisis, in testimony before a House Committee.

Rising demand for foreign goods in the U.S. caused the trade deficit to widen to a gap between imports and exports of over $40.2 billion in December alone, expanding the deficit to $35.8 trillion.

Pray that the national economy will find its way into recovery.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran has stepped up arrests and warned Iranian journalists they would be dealt with as spies if they work for foreign news outlets in an attempt to deter them from reporting anticipated demonstrations Thursday.

The Obama Administration slapped sanctions on affiliates of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in response to Iran’s defiant move to bolster its uranium enrichment program to weapons levels.

Pray for Iran’s dissidents in the anti-government demonstrations that will take place February 11^th and beyond.

HEALTH CARE

Scientists at Berkeley report that lingering residue from tobacco smoke which clings “third hand” to upholstery, clothing and the skin releases cancer-causing agents, and are thus a health hazard.

First Lady Michelle Obama will be a primary spokesperson for the executive order signed this week by the president ordering federal agencies to participate in programs to overcome childhood obesity.

Pray for the citizens of our nation to become more aware of personal health issues and work toward better health.

Listen to my prayer, O God,
Do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.
Psalm 55:1,2a

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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

THE WAR

The Afghanistan city of Marja will be the next big test for the troop surge as the Marines anticipate they will face the biggest number of hard-core insurgents yet.

A major Taliban base in the northwestern tribal region of Bajaur has been captured by Pakistani troops after days of fierce fighting, according to officials.

As you pray for our military on the front lines, remember also to pray for the allies who fight alongside them.

TERRORISM

Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair reported that the U.S. is at risk of a crippling cyber attack that could “wreak havoc” on this country because of the technological balance that makes such an attack difficult to defend.

The Somali-based militant group Al Shabab has announced that it is aligned with Al Qaeda’s global terror network, complicating peacekeeping efforts in Mogadishu and Kenya.

Pray for our intelligence and Homeland Security agencies to be ever alert to new dangers from every quarter.

THE ECONOMY

President Obama has declared that his administration is pushing China and other nations to enforce existing trade rules and open their markets in a reciprocal way.

Unemployment rose in most cities and counties where struggling companies remain reluctant to rehire even as the economy begins its slow recovery.

Pray about the economic pressures that increase from within and outside our nation’s borders and their impact on us.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the long-stalled peace talks with the Palestinians could resume in a matter of weeks without preconditions. He did not express any details.

After blaming Israeli agents for assassinating a Hamas official in Dubai last week, Hamas said it too would broaden the conflict beyond Israel and Gaza and take revenge on the international stage.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  (Psalm 12)

HEALTH CARE

Sen. Evan Bayh (Indiana) said the health care debate has become so polarized and divisive that the Senate and House have lost enthusiasm for “getting it done.”

A New England Journal of Medicine study states that as Medicare raises copayments for outpatient care, older people will cut back on doctors’ visits, only to wind up needing more expensive hospital care.

As health care reform debates go on, pray that our national leaders will find common ground in the best interest of all.

“We will have no fear of bad news;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 112:7

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

THE WAR

Gen. Raymond Odierno has reported that since August, Al Qaeda has dedicated itself to destabilizing the government of Iraq and weakening support for their security forces.

A Pakistani intelligence official says that to succeed in Afghanistan, the U.S. must negotiate a deal with Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar. This official says he trained Omar to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan.

Pray for our military commanders in the war zones to seek wisdom from the Lord in their decision-making.

TERRORISM

Shots have been fired from both sides of the border of North and South Korea escalating tensions over the disputed area of the peninsula.  No casualties were reported.

President Barack Obama has unveiled plans for better and quicker responses to bioterrorism threats, citing that “we no longer have the luxury of a slow learning curve as Al Qaeda has shown an interest in bio-weapons.

As threats of all natures increase, pray for God’s protection of our nation and for our allies.

THE ECONOMY

Ford Motor Co. said it will hire an additional 1,200 workers in Chicago, and General Motors Co. announced a big investment in manufacturing electric engines, signs indicating the auto industry may be emerging from its slump.

The recession has taken a particularly heavy toll on black youth age 20-24 and young people from low-income families according to a researcher with Northeastern University in Boston.

Pray for families of every demographic who have been heavily impacted by the nation’s economic recession.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is confident Islamic nations will one day watch the destruction of its arch-foe Israel, he remarked in a meeting in Tehran.

An internal Israeli Foreign Ministry document accuses Turkey’s prime minister of fueling anti-Semitism with his criticism of Israel, further fueling the diplomatic row with one of its few Muslim allies.

Pray for a de-escalation in the war of words between Israel and its Middle-Eastern neighbors.

HEALTH CARE

A new University of California study is raising concerns about the effects of fire-retardant chemicals used on carpet padding, furniture, computers and other home and office products, on pregnancies, fertility, infancy and general health.

The pregnancy rate among US teens has jumped for the first time in more than a decade, and abortion rates along with it, according to the Guttmacher Institute of New York.

Pray for the physical, emotional and spiritual health of all Americans, and particularly our teenagers.

Oh Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to you.
Psalm 141:1

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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

OTHER PRAYER CONCERNS:

THE WAR

Since 2001, the U.S. has spent more than $39 billion on humanitarian and construction projects in Afghanistan, however, many Afghan say the pace of development has not matched the expectations of such costs.

A United Nations’ report says that corruption is a major problem for Afghanistan, with those entrusted with upholding the law being the guiltiest, including police, judges, and others in government often exchanging bribes for favors.

Pray for those in our government charged with administering non-military funds in Afghanistan and Iraq.

TERRORISM

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula issued fresh warnings against the U.S. and its Mideast allies saying it was their duty “to declare jihad against the infidels and their helpers” on the ground, sea and in the air.

The Nigerian Army says it has regained control of the city of JOS (an acronym for “Jesus Our Savior”) where fighting between Muslims and Christians has left scores dead in recent days.

Pray for all those combating Muslim extremism wherever it exists around the world.

THE ECONOMY

The banking industry is preparing to vigorously fight the Obama Administration’s proposed TARP tax.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke invited congressional auditors to make a “full review” of the central bank’s aid to AIG after lawmakers accused the Fed of trying to conceal information about the bailout.

Pray for the efforts to return to the treasury the funds loaned out in various stimulus and bailout programs.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell said that Syria and Lebanon were keys to achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Talks broke off in December 2008, and settlement construction issues prevent resumption.

Heavy wind and rains have swept across parts of Egypt, Israel and Jordan, destroying homes, knocking out power lines and cutting roadways.  Casualties have occurred in each area.

Pray that the people of these regions will turn to the God of All Peace, Hope and Restoration.

HEALTH CARE

German scientists report the discovery of a new fast-acting disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses and germs, and that could help stop the spread of deadly infections in hospitals without damaging sensitive instruments.

A new government estimate from CDC says swine flu has sickened about 55 million Americans and killed over 11,000, although infections have been waning since October.

Pray for scientists and researchers who work on preventative measures against all forms of disease.

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Remember to pray for President Obama
As he prepares for and delivers his state of the union address
On Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

THE WAR

The Obama Administration plans to ask Congress for an additional $333 billion to fight the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, on top of a record request for $708 billion for the Defense Department next year.

Iraqi security forces say they have seized explosives and arrested 25 people they say planned to carry out terrorist attacks in Baghdad.

Pray about the costs of the war effort in human terms as well as the monetary outlays required.

TERRORISM

Washington is boosting its counterterrorism cash and training for Yemen in aiding its own forces against AL Qaeda, while being careful not to leave “too heavy a footprint” that would prove to be a terrorist recruiting tool.

Google may pull out of China because of a sophisticated computer network attack originating there and targeting human rights communications, a move that could impact US-China relations.

Pray against all forms of terrorism, including cyber-terrorism, that threatens us globally.

THE ECONOMY

Fees for banks could be included in the Obama Administration budget for 2011, raising an anticipated $100 billion  as a set-off against the financial bail out.  Figures are preliminary, according to Treasury Department sources.

The Treasury Department estimated net losses on the TARP bailout at $68.5 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009

Pray about our nation’s financial condition, the costs of government and the increasing national debt level.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

A clash between the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and a clan affiliated with Fatah has turned violent as both sides claim control over a mosque in a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon.

Citing a problem with illegal immigration, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will build a barrier along its entire length of the southern border with Egypt.

Pray for security for all of the people who live and work in this volatile region of the world.

HEALTH CARE

Health care negotiations between the House, Senate and White House have been taking place at the staff level, but are now picking up as six House Democrats and five Democrat Senators begin meeting at the White House.

Labor leaders are pushing hard on President Obama to drop a proposed new excise tax on “high-value” employer-provided health insurance plans.

Pray that the outcome of all health care reform legislation will be to the benefit of us as a nation.

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