Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

THE WARS

Afghanistan’s national security forces are gaining strength and skill in the eastern part of the country as insurgent groups there fight among themselves and increasing botch attempted attacks, a U.S. commander reported.

The Pakistani Taliban has declared a cease-fire to encourage nascent peace talks with the government, indicating either a willingness to strike a deal or the buying of time to regroup and strengthen their forces.

Pray for our military men and women in Afghanistan as the winter months have set in, slowing the fighting.

TERRORISM

Three Red Cross workers have been kidnapped in Yemen’s restive south while delivering food to refugees there. Security in Yemen has unraveled in areas where Al Qaeda has taken control of entire towns.

The FBI was noticeably absent from the weekend raid that captured a terror bomb-making suspect in New York, as federal officials were not convinced that he was a serious threat and thus chose not to be involved.

Pray about the terrorists who are “home grown” or “lone wolves” and the threats they pose within the U.S.

THE ECONOMY

U.S. consumer buying habits have shifted dramatically from big-ticket items to less expensive purchases that are enjoyed and consumed quickly, a new analysis shows. Dining out and perfume are in; automobiles and appliances, out.

The U.S. economy grew at a modest rate in the third quarter, but slower than first estimated, as businesses cut back more sharply on restocking of shelves. The new rate indicates a 2 per cent growth.

Pray that Americans will not add to their personal debt levels with holiday spending this year.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

The UN human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into violence in Egypt and said she deplores the killing of protesters by military and security forces who are inflaming the situation.

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said it will take part in a political dialogue with the military government, and will push for holding parliamentary elections on time and turning over the government by mid-2012.

Pray about the “Islamization” of Egypt and other Middle East nations that have been impacted by the “Arab Spring.”

HEALTH CARE

A new poll shows that most voters want the Supreme Court to overturn President Obama’s health care law, with opposition and support falling largely along party lines. The poll was taken by the Quinnipiac University.

A new study shows that clarification on sodium and potassium intake is sorely needed, especially for people with existing heart disease. Much controversy currently exists on the American over-use of salt.

Pray for the doctors and researchers who take on testing of American dietary habits.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

THE WARS

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, speaking of the potential for failure of the Supercommittee, said the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would not be affected, but contracting personnel would be cut, disrupting war policy support.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai demanded an end to night raids, detentions and house searches by foreign forces as a condition of endorsing a planned strategic agreement with the U.S.

Pray for our military and contractors as the drawdown in Iraq continues and is on schedule for Afghanistan.

TERRORISM

The U.S. and its Western allies face an unpalatable choice over Iran at a key UN atomic agency meeting Thursday, where both Russia and China have sided with Iran on its alleged secret nuclear arms program.

Dozens of soldiers and specialty forces were gunned down by suspected army defectors in a deadly ambush in southern Syria, as Syrian President Assad continues his defiance of Arab League members and others to desist from violence.

Pray about the meeting at the UN and the stand the U.S. will take, and the impact on relations with Russia and China.

THE ECONOMY

Homebuilders are feeling a little less pessimistic about the struggling housing market, but their mood hasn’t changed enough to signal a recovery any time soon. New home sales remain at lowest levels in a half century.

Retail sales rose broadly in October as wholesale prices fell, signaling a cooling of fuel-driven inflation pressures that have hit consumers’ pocketbooks, but with food prices still on the increase, many are concerned about holiday meals.

Pray about the mood of the American public over the economy as we approach the holidays and high spending levels.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Dennis Ross, the President’s top Middle East aide, who has attracted criticism for his strong pro-Israel sympathies, will leave his post at the end of November, the White House announced.

The international community should engage in a “moral attack” on Iran, not a military one, says Israeli President Simon Peres, adding that Tehran’s support of terror was as much a global concern as world economics.

Pray about the U.S. relationship with Israel, and President Obama’s relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu.

HEALTH CARE

Retail giant Wal-Mart is exploring ways to expand the kinds of healthcare services it offers in dozens of stores across the country, potentially driving down health maintenance costs for millions of Americans.

The Obama administration has unveiled a $1 billion grant program – The Health Care Innovation Challenge – that gives priority to organizations that hire, train and deploy new health care workers.

Pray for wisdom and compassion for all who work in the health care field.

Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.

Psalm 119:142

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

THE WARS

As American troops head out of Iraq, the U.S. officials are bringing in more private security contractors to ensure continued protection of American diplomatic personnel as well as U.S. goods, including departure escort convoys.

Insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and other artillery attacked a U.S.-run base near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, but the attack was repelled in a six-hour fire fight that killed between 60 to 70 militants.

Pray for our military personnel as the early Afghan winter takes hold but without the attacks lessening as usual.

TERRORISM

Iranian President Ahmadinejad vowed that Iran won’t retreat “one iota” from its nuclear program, while Israel called again on the world to stop Iran from its nuclear arms development, a claim that Iran vehemently denies.

Pakistan is training 8,000 additional people to protect the country’s nuclear arsenal, which the U.S. fears could be vulnerable to penetration by Islamist militants at war with the West.

Pray about the security of nuclear weapons in the region: Pakistan, India, Israel and, potentially, Iran.

THE ECONOMY

A whopping 28.6 percent of homeowners with mortgages owe more on their loans than their homes could sell for, up from 26.8 percent in the second quarter. Home values have declined 4.4 percent over the year to date.

Just as 55 million Social Security recipients are about to get their first benefit increase in three years, Congress is looking at reducing future raises by adopting a new measure of inflation that would increase taxes for most families.

Pray about the impact that the federal debt and deficit is having upon all American households.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Palestinian officials say they are resigned to defeat in their quest for full membership at the United Nations and are resorting to a back-up plan that would give them “observer” status and access to key UN agencies.

Russian President Medvedev accused Israel of using “dangerous rhetoric” that could lead to war with Iran, amid rising tensions over the latter’s nuclear program, adding “it is time to take a deep breath and open talks.”

Pray about Israel’s need for security in the midst of her neighbors and others who oppose her.

HEALTH CARE

A carotid artery surgical bypass operation that doctors hoped would prevent strokes in people with poor circulation to the brain does not work, researchers in a $20 million government-funded study have reported.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the world to create the first “Aids-free generation” by using antiviral drugs, condoms, circumcision and other approaches to stem the spread of the HIV virus.

Pray with thanksgiving for all of the work done by researchers, laboratories and others to improve world health.

In this world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

THE WARS

When Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai visited New Delhi last month to sign a strategic partnership deal, he quickly reassured Islamabad it remained Kabul’s most important partner.

U.S. troops began November 2^nd to leave Iraq in the first wave of a withdrawal intended to be complete by the end of the year. They were taken, with their belongings, to an airstrip and flown out of the country.

Pray about the political gamesmanship going on between Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, and its impact on the U.S.

TERRORISM

The Department of Homeland Security has stepped up its monitoring of Twitter and other social networks in an effort to pre-empt any sign of social “dislocation” within the United States.

Syria is planting landmines along parts of its border with Lebanon as refugees stream out of the country to escape the crackdown on anti-government protests, a serious embarrassment to President Assad.

Pray for the efforts of the Homeland Security Department to eradicate terrorism within the U.S.

THE ECONOMY

U.S. private employers added more jobs than expected in October, though lack of robust labor market growth reinforced the Federal Reserve’s calculations for moderate economic growth through the end of the year.

Nearly 15% of the U.S. population relied on food stamps in August, according to the newest reports, an uptick in the numbers by 8.1 percent. Mississippi had the largest share at more than 21% of the state’s population.

Pray for the more than 14 million Americans who remain unemployed, and for their need of assistance.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Fearing an Israeli attack against Iran, the United States is working on several levels to pressure the UN Security Council into imposing harsher sanctions against Iran. An anticipated IAEA report shows Iranian nuclear progress.

Iran would cause “serious damage” to the U.S. and Israel should the Jewish state strike Iran’s nuclear program, saying it would strike back in “surprising ways.”

Pray about the ever-increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, and President Ahmadinejad’s “sabre rattling.”

HEALTH CARE

The cost of health care for public employees surpassed unfunded pension liabilities for states, according to the managing director of pensions at Citigroup, adding there is no way health care costs will be affordable in the future.

A study in the Journal Sleep finds a direct link between feelings of social connectedness and the unbroken quality of sleep, while loneliness links to sleeplessness and, ultimately, poor health.

Pray about the increasing costs of health care, and Americans’ needs to be more health-conscious.

I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unit of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

THE WARS

A senior Pentagon official told a House panel that U.S. military deployment to central Africa to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army will last months, but vowed it “will not be an open-ended commitment.”

President Obama’s announcement of full withdrawal from Iraq has met with both skepticism and relief in Congress, reflecting the sentiments of constituents who have grown weary of the costs of the war in human and dollar terms.

Pray for our military men and women wherever deployed, and for a safe withdrawal from Iraq by December 31.

TERRORISM

New streetlights that include “Homeland Security” applications including speaker systems, motion sensors and video surveillance are now being rolled out with the aid of government grants from Homeland Security.

The U.S. has opened law enforcement and intelligence outposts across Mexico to secretly infiltrate some of that country’s most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations and drug cartels.

Pray about the steps the U.S. government is taking to assure America’s protection against terror and crime.

THE ECONOMY

Home prices in more than 20 U.S. cities dropped more than forecast during August, revised reports declare, highlighting one of the biggest obstacles to financial recovery, now in its third year of decline.

Steep funding cuts to higher education across the country has pushed up tuition and fees, with California’s public universities seeing the highest average tuition increase of 21%. Arizona and Washington were also high.

Pray about the increasing imbalance in personal financial statements due to escalating prices and costs.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Frustrated in its bid to restart peace talks, the international group known as the Mideast Quartet is pushing both Israel and the Palestinians to submit detailed proposals for borders and measures that would insure Israel’s security.

Syrian army deserters killed seven soldiers in an attack on an armed convoy a day ahead of an Arab League visit aimed at opening dialogue between President Assad and his opponents. Assad says he is ready for political reform.

Pray about the sub-surface tensions throughout the Middle East which have not yet come to a head.

HEALTH CARE

Two drug companies are testing formulations of a universal flu vaccine in hopes of bringing a successful version to market within the next several years. Influenza is a wily and over-changing opponent, scientists say.

A growing number of companies are offering money and merchandise to get workers to exercise, lose weight or meet other health goals that will result in insurance premium cost reductions.

Pray that this year’s coming influenza season will not be as bad as predictions are calling.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all,
without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

THE WARS

U.S. forces are massing along the Pakistan border in eastern Afghanistan amid reports of an imminent drone missile offensive against fighters from the Haqqani Network, a Taliban faction operating from safe havens in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s interior minister reports that Pakistan will hold peace talks with the Taliban only if the militants lay down their weapons first. Both sides have indicated an openness to talks but no dates have been set to move forward.

Pray about the situation in Afghanistan as winter approaches and a massive troop withdrawal is scheduled.

TERRORISM

Five French-Moroccan Muslims are being questioned by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after being arrested inside the courthouse in San Antonio Texas, three having crawled through a window and two remaining in a van outside.

Iran’s president said U.S. claims of a plot to assassinate a Saudi envoy are as false as its allegations were about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and was a device to steer American conversation away from economic problems.

Pray about the increasing levels of terror aimed at the U.S. inside our own borders and abroad.

THE ECONOMY

After two years without an increase in benefits, 55 million Social Security recipients will receive a raise next year, as the Administration announced a 3.6% increase beginning in January – essentially a cost-of-living inflation increase.

Amid wild swings in the stock market over the past few weeks, cracks are appearing deep within the market that some professional investors say are making the market treacherous for trading.

Pray for the more than fourteen million Americans who continue to remain unemployed.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran’s judiciary has ordered an investigation into human rights crimes committed by the United States – a defiant response to the UN report of its own alleged violations of human rights and alleged assassination plot.

There were scenes of joy and celebration at the Rafah crossing as Palestinian prisoners scrambled off buses as part of the prisoner swap conducted by Israel, seen by many in the area as a significant victory for Hamas.

Pray for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he faces tough criticism for the prisoner exchange deal.

HEALTH CARE

The Obama Administration has moved to roll back numerous rules that apply to hospitals and other health care providers after concluding that the standards were obsolete or overly burdensome to the health industry.

The U.S. healthcare system is lagging further and further behind other industrialized countries on major measures of quality, efficiency and access to care, revealing a profound effect on overall health within the U.S.

Pray for doctors, hospitals and other medical professions frequently caught between bureaucracy and patients.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

THE WARS

Suspected insurgents Wednesday set off a remote-controlled bomb that killed an anti-Taliban tribal leader, together with six police officers assigned to escort him, in one of the strategic districts of Kandahar.

The commander of NATO’s air campaign in Libya reports that hundreds of organized fighters loyal to Col. Muammar Gadhafi pose a “resilient and fierce” threat in Surt and Bani Walid, and are terrorizing civilian residents there.

Pray for wisdom for our military leaders in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and wherever else they are serving.

TERRORISM

Senior U.S. politicians and a Saudi Arabian prince called Wednesday for Iran to be held accountable for an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States in a serious breach of international behavior.

The Syrian economy is buckling under the pressure of sanctions by the west and a continuing popular uprising, posing a growing challenge to President Assad’s government, according to a report released this week.

Pray that the regimes in both Syria and Iran will heed international warnings and be more circumspect.

THE ECONOMY

A new drive is underway to phase out the paper dollar in favor of a more durable dollar coin. Coins last an average of 30 years, compared with 18-40 months for paper dollars, according to Representative David Schweikert (Arizona).

Household incomes fell more after the official end of the recession than during the recession, with incomes falling at an average of 6.7% between June 2009 to June 2011, as compared with 3.2% from December 2007 to June 2009.

Pray for the more than 14 million Americans who remain unemployed, their families and communities.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Initial jubilation over the impending prisoner swap between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began to dampen Wednesday as people on both sides expressed concerns that their leaders may have given away too much.

An international group of envoys, including an American delegation, will contact the Israelis and Palestinians shortly to try to restart Mideast peace talks that have been essentially stalled since 2008.

Pray about the potential for a restart of peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinian factions.

HEALTH CARE

Newborns should be screened for critical congenital heart disease, said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius. The recommendation brings to 31 the number of screenings for newborn disorders.

An estimated 29 million adults who had health insurance lacked adequate coverage in 2010, leaving them exposed to medical expenses they could not afford, such as high deductibles and higher co-pay burdens.

Pray about the health issues faced on both ends of life’s spectrum – from newborn to elderly.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the
LORD that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

THE WARS

The Taliban have begun using more subtle ways of asserting themselves in Afghanistan, including daily disruption of cellphone service, carefully chosen assassinations and limited but spectacular, media-covered assaults.

The leaders of Afghanistan and India have signed a strategic partnership agreement whereby India would “stand by” Afghanistan after U.S. forces leave. The agreement further escalates tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pray for those who are leading the U.S. forces in Afghanistan to be wise with the Afghan leadership.

TERRORISM

Months of wrangling at the UN Security Council over a resolution condemning Syria collapsed after Russia and China vetoed a measure that contained a weak reference to the possibility of sanctions against Damascus.

Representative Mike Rogers (Michigan) said the U.S. and its allies must confront Beijing which is waging a trade war involving theft of intellectual property through cyber attacks that have reached “an intolerable level.”

Pray for our representatives at the United Nations and in the State Department in dealings with China and others.

THE ECONOMY

U.S. employers announced a 12% increase in job cuts in September, the largest in two years, led by planned reductions at Bank of America and force reductions in the U.S. military.

Pickups and SUVs boosted U.S. auto sales in September as dealers offered promotions, fuel prices fell by nearly 30 cents a gallon, and cheaper financing was made available.

With mixed economic news, continue to pray for the millions of Americans who remain unemployed and their families.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

The Prime Minister of Turkey has branded Israel as “a threat to the region,” accusing it of owning nuclear weapons, something that Israel has never officially admitted, but is widely believed.

Syrian President Assad warned Western countries that if Syria comes under NATO attack, it would fire missiles at Tel Aviv, calling on Hezbollah to launch an intensive missile and rocket attack from the Golan Heights.

Pray for Israel and her neighbors as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

HEALTH CARE

The price of health insurance provided by employers for families jumped 9% this year over 2010 as rising healthcare expenses contributed to the largest premium increases in six years.

Only 2% of food imported into the U.S. is inspected, according to the FDA, who also said that last year it rejected 16,000 food related shipments out of more than 10 million that arrived in more than 320 ports of entry.

Pray for the safety of American foodstuffs, whether imported or domestically grown.

Where there is no guidance, a people fails,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

THE WARS

A top Pakistani official has urged the U.S. to stop making that nation the scapegoat for U.S. frustration over Afghanistan, and warned that public anger toward the U.S. is quickly getting out of government control.

Pakistani intelligence officials say an American missile strike killed at least three in a militant stronghold near the Afghan border, when a pair of U.S. missiles struck a house. The incident has further increased tensions against the U.S.

Pray about the U.S. war policy and foreign policy as they impact the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan.

TERRORISM

The U.S. Treasury Department has blacklisted two officials of a Pakistani Islamic militant group, meaning their assets in the U.S. will be frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from having any financial dealings with them.

A pipeline in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula that takes gas to Israel was sabotaged for the sixth time this year, a reminder that Egypt’s relationship with Israel remains tense. Sinai Bedouins want compensation for the pipeline crossing their land.

Pray about efforts being made across the globe to contain terrorism.

THE ECONOMY

President Obama is asking passengers to pay “a few dollars more” in taxes for an airline ticket, which already is about 20% taxes and fees. The travel industry is in an uproar about it as their own fees already have tempers soaring.

Consumer confidence has held near a stagnating 2-1/2 year low and is pointing to weak spending in the holiday months ahead as Americans worry about their incomes and struggle to find work.

Pray for President Obama and the Congress as they seek means to increase revenues and lower the deficit.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

The UN Security Council has unanimously agreed to hand the Palestinian application for statehood to a committee who will review and assess the request for UN membership during the coming weeks.

In President Obama’s annual Jewish New Year address he said, “our allies, including Israel, face the uncertainties of an unpredictable age” and that the U.S. was committed to its alliance with the Jewish state.

Pray about the potential for militaristic Palestinian upheaval if the UN votes against their membership.

HEALTH CARE

At least 13 people in eight states have died after eating cantaloupe contaminated with listeria in the deadliest outbreak of food-borne illness in the United States in more than a decade, health officials said this week.

The cost of employer-sponsored health insurance surged some 9% this year compared to 3-5% in prior years, snapping a trend toward moderate growth, but experts say these increases may slow again in 2012.

Pray about the escalating costs of health care, whether by direct costs or by increases in insurance premiums.

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with
discernment and knowledge maintains order.
Proverbs 28:2 (NIV)

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

THE WARS

The suicide-bomb killing of former Afghan President Rabbani has intensified ethnic divisions and fueled fears that a civil war might break out once the U.S.-led forces leave Afghanistan.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has accused Pakistan’s military of using the Haqqani network to wage a “proxy war” in Afghanistan, ratcheting up pressure on Islamabad to take on insurgent groups fighting NATO.

Pray about the many internal upsets that are occurring in the face of a draw-down of troops in Afghanistan.

TERRORISM

A bombing attack in central Ankara that killed 3 and wounded at least 34 is believed to be tied to terrorism, according to Turkey’s interior minister. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The Obama Administration’s legal team is split over how much latitude the U.S. has to kill Islamist militants in Yemen and Somalia, a question that could define the limits of the war against al-Qaeda and its allies.

Pray for the U.S. relations with the protesting groups that have made up the “Arab Spring,” now and into the future.

THE ECONOMY

The Federal Reserve will sell $400 billion of its shorter-term securities to buy longer-term notes and bonds in its latest effort to boost a weak U.S. economy. Ultimately, it may reduce rates on mortgages and other consumer loans.

A new forecast predicts retail sales for November and December will be up around 3% for holiday buying. That would be below last year’s 4.1% increase in sales. This is the most critical period of the year in retail sales.

Pray about the ongoing feeling of recession in the nation, and the millions who remain unemployed.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Obama for opposing the Palestinian bid for recognition of a state at the UN, saying the President is wearing a “badge of honor” for insisting on negotiations.

President Obama called on the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on the government of Syrian President Assad, noting that government forces have killed at least three civilians in the hours before his speech.

Pray about the tensions that exist in Israel over the Palestinian desire for statehood.

HEALTH CARE

The Obama Administration announced $109 million in grants to 29 states to help them beef up oversight of health insurers, a key goal of the Health Care Reform Act signed last year.

In his recommendations to Congress on Monday, President Obama proposed cutting health spending by $320 billion over ten years: $248 billion from Medicare, and $72 billion from Medicaid and other programs.

Pray about the implementation of health care law regulations upon the beneficiaries of the federal programs.

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

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