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Let the Holy Spirit guide your prayers for our President and our nation as you intercede for the following concerns.
Photo of President Obama and the First Family
courtesy of the White House. |
- President Obama’s trip to Russia. During his trip to Russia on July 7, President Obama is scheduled to give a speech at the commencement of the New Economic School in Moscow. The White House reports it will be an opportunity for President Obama to discuss areas of mutual interest between the United States and Russia such as nonproliferation, global security, and economic growth.
- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton has decided not to travel to Russia with President Obama next week due to recent surgery on a broken elbow. Clinton had successful surgery on the elbow June 19, two days after a fall on her way to the White House. Reports indicate Clinton's intense physical therapy sessions to rehabilitate the elbow are too difficult to replicate during the trip. Clinton earlier cancelled trips to Italy and Greece because of the injury.
- President Obama’s church home. Time Magazine is reporting that President Obama has made Evergreen Chapel in Camp David his primary place of worship. However, the White House is contradicting the article, saying the Obamas are still searching for a church home. “They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family,” Deputy Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Evergreen Chapel was also former President George W. Bush’s place of worship, regarded as a place to pray away from people that may interrupt and distract the President and his family.
- Bible Club appeal refused. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week declined to stop a school district in Washington state from blocking a group of Christian students from forming a Bible club on campus. According to the Christian Post, the high court refused to hear an appeal from the high school students who wanted to form the Truth Bible Club at Kentridge High School in Seattle nearly a decade ago. Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund had filed a petition with the court in March, asking the justices to review the case.
- Illicit drug markets in decline. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that global markets for cocaine, opiates and marijuana are holding steady or decreasing. Opium cultivation in Afghanistan, where 93 percent of the world's opium is grown, dropped by 19 percent last year. U.S. envoy for Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke also announced a new drug policy for Afghanistan, saying it will phase out funding for eradication efforts and use the money instead for drug interdiction and alternate crop programs. An estimated 28 million people worldwide remain likely to be dependent on drugs.
- Americans saving more, spending less. Officials say households in the U.S. pushed their savings rate to the highest level in more than 15 years in May. Income from the government’s stimulus program was devoted more toward personal saving than increased spending. Rates for 30-year home loans edged up this week, remaining above record lows reached over the spring, according to mortgage company Freddie Mac.
On July 7, 1863, Abraham Lincoln was anxiously awaiting news from the battlefield at Vicksburg. Consumed with concern for the troops during war, he did not participate in any 4th of July festivities. When news finally came of the Union victory at Vicksburg, hundreds marched to the White House for an impromptu celebration, complete with military band. Observers say that Lincoln’s delight could not be hidden as the weight and burden that had marked his countenance for years was partially lifted. Reluctant too speak, he finally responded to the wishes of the people and offered the following unscripted words. Read more.
PPT’s new “Deeper with God” Daily Online Devotional is changing people’s lives!
As I read the Weekly Update last week, my eyes fell upon the testimonial of a woman named Diane. She spoke of how she’s seen our country change so rapidly.
I had just had a similar discussion with my husband that morning; I told him that I’m having a very hard time with our new President and his policies. So much so that it’s hard for me to watch him on the TV…All that said, I, too, am grateful for the devotions. I, too, believe that God has allowed our current leaders to be in office, and just when I'm finding it very difficult to remember that, a devotion will speak to my exact anxiety/fear.
Thank you for giving me ways to look beyond what is happening to see that none of it is taking our mighty Lord God by surprise, and giving me concrete Scripture verses to help refocus my prayers. God bless you all! – Maureen
You can join thousands like Maureen and Diane who are receiving and are being ministered to by this unique devotional series, written by PPT staff and volunteers and distributed to your e-mail each Monday-Friday. Sign up HERE.
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
— The Bible, Deuteronomy 4:7 (NIV)
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
— The Bible, Psalm 33:22 (NIV)
As the nation pauses to celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we will enjoy parties, parades and fireworks. In the midst of the joy and celebration it is so very important that we remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers as they envisioned a new form of government. Read more. |
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Pray as the Lord leads you for the following requests:
The President and his family. The President has departed to Camp David for the extended holiday weekend.
Vice President Biden visits Iraq. In his first trip to Iraq as vice president, Joe Biden arrived there Thursday for an unannounced, two-day visit with U.S. troops and the Iraqi leadership. A White House statement says Biden will reiterate the U.S. commitment to carry out President Obama's plan to withdraw combat forces. He will also encourage Iraqi leaders to make further progress toward political reconciliation.
Missing soldier in Afghanistan. The U.S. military said Thursday that insurgents have captured an American soldier in eastern Afghanistan. A spokeswoman said the soldier went missing on Tuesday, adding that the GI's identity was not being released to protect the soldier's well-being.
Offensive underway in Afghanistan. The U.S. military also reports that thousands of Marines have moved into Taliban-controlled villages in southern Afghanistan in the first major operation under President Obama. The Troops encountered roadside bombs and small-arms attacks, which resulted in the death of one Marine.
U.S. missile attack in Pakistan. U.S. missiles hit a Taliban training facility and a militant hideout Friday in South Waziristan, killing 15 people and injuring 27.
Muslim relations in the U.S. Evangelical pastor Rick Warren will be joined by representatives from the Reform and Conservative movements of American Judaism at the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention this weekend. All will be present to highlight their recently formed partnerships with the Muslim group.
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President Obama and the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers pack care packages for distribution by the USO during an event on the South Lawn of the White House. Photo courtesy of the White House. |
Parents, take your kids – whether it’s to a soup kitchen or to volunteer on a community project – (and) teach them what it means to be a real citizen. You’ll find that actually the kids love it, and it’s going to make a lasting impression on them. And if all of us are doing that this summer, then we’re going to make this country stronger. Ultimately the strength of America doesn’t come from Capitol Hill, it doesn’t come from the White House. It comes from the grassroots, and that’s what all of you are about.
— President Obama, at the launch of his “United We Serve” nationwide community service initiative.
Your partnership with The Presidential Prayer Team makes an enormous impact on the destiny of our nation – and on people’s lives…like Tamara.
I just wanted to send my gratitude to everyone involved in this effort to coordinate the prayers of the righteous for our nation, President Obama and his administration. You’re doing precisely what His Word commands us to do.
Your devotionals and updates are so helpful for those of us standing in the gap for President Obama and our nation. Thank you for choosing to do what is right and following the Holy Spirit. I know God is greatly blessing all that are involved in this precious ministry and I am greatly blessed to participate!
Thank you for partnering with thousands of others to pray for our nation. Because of you, we’re able to provide terrific prayer outreaches such as our upcoming online “Tell a Friend” campaign – special Dog Days of Prayer using our popular Pray Live! real-time, interactive online prayer service – and our M-F “Deeper with God” Online Devotional Series.
Please ask the Lord what He would have you to give, and then respond to His leading today. Thank you so much for your giving!
Photo of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flyover courtesy of the White House. |
David returned to the States after a year in Iraq at the beginning of June. He just came home for a weekend and it was so good seeing him again after a year away. I thank the Lord for protecting David while he was in Iraq and for bringing him home safely. I pray that David will surrender his life to God's care and direction and that God will continue to bless him and keep him. Read more.
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I have had prayers answered – most strangely so sometimes – but I think our Heavenly Father’s lovingkindness has been even more evident in what He has refused me.
— Lewis Carroll, most notable as author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Our beautiful July prayer calendar is ready for you to download now. Let it inspire you to pray for our great nation for Independence Day and beyond! Download HERE.
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Encourage your church to pray!
Provide your church with the most current prayer information for the President and our nation.
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See the PPT Church Bulletin insert HERE. |
