March 19th – 25th, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
The Trump Administration is asking Congress for an economic stimulus of $850 billion to support the economy as the nation’s coronavirus response leads to a shutdown of many businesses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention denied claims from lawmakers that President Trump had slashed funding to the department’s anti-pandemic efforts as funding for global health programs were provided by Congress.
Pray for President Trump and all the members of the coronavirus task force who are working tirelessly on addressing the pandemic in America.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said the U.S. must shut down all but essential businesses and government agencies to stop the spread of the coronavirus. “The time has come for extraordinary measures,” he said.
House lawmakers introduced two bills that would penalize individuals for spreading misinformation about the upcoming census and ban nongovernmental groups from sending false census forms.
Pray for Congressional leaders working through the best means to continue their government duties during the virus outbreak.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy is legal, overruling the Ninth Circuit. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the only dissenting vote. Other challenges to the program remain.
Judge Lynn Adelman of the Eastern Wisconsin U.S. District Court, accused Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and the conservative majority of “actively participating in undermining American democracy” by “ensuring that the political system in the United States pays little attention to ordinary Americans,” by favoring “powerful corporations and individuals.”
Pray for America’s judiciary to remain independent and free from political activism.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
A barrage of rocket attacks was launched at an Iraqi base that houses U.S. military personnel, believed to have been launched by an Iranian-backed militia group. At least 25 rockets hit Camp Taji where some were “seriously wounded” and are currently hospitalized.
The 82nd Airborne Division has returned to Fort Bragg in North Carolina after serving in Afghanistan; however, 300 paratroopers have begun a “routine” 14-day quarantine on the base due to the coronavirus outbreak in Afghanistan.
Pray for the health and safety of America’s military men and women both at home and abroad.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
The U.S. and Canada intercepted two Russian maritime reconnaissance aircraft that had entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone over the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska, keeping them from entering either U.S. or Canadian airspace.
A United Nations “special expert on freedom of religion” says it is time for the world’s leading religions to submit to the authority of the UN and its human rights bodies, even though critics say those bodies are laced with oppositional belief views.
Pray for officials defending American values against the rhetoric and actions of adversarial nations and groups.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
After a yearlong political stalemate and several elections, the coronavirus is driving Israeli political rivals to discuss a unity government, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rival Benny Gantz agreed to talks.
Israeli President Rivlin has asked former military chief Benny Gantz to form a new government, multiplying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s problems as he prepares to defend himself against charges of corruption.
Pray about the unsettled Knesset and government in Israel, and for Prime Minister Netanyahu in facing the charges against him.
THE ECONOMY
Led by rising food costs, consumer prices unexpectedly rose in February but could drop in the months ahead as the coronavirus outbreak depresses demand for some goods and services, outweighing price increases related to shortages caused by disruptions to the supply chain.
Consumer sentiment fell less than expected in early March as households responded to the coronavirus epidemic and a sharp stock market sell-off, but also hoped that any disruptions to economic activity would be temporary.
Pray for an assurance that God is in control to come over the American public and for people to obtain what they need without fear or stocking up excessively.
ACROSS THE STATES
Maryland’s Governor Hogan ordered the indefinite closure of all casinos, racetracks and betting facilities, in addition to bars, taverns, restaurants, and other facilities that serve the general public.
Tennessee Governor Lee said all schools in his state are expected to close by Friday March 20 and remain closed through the end of the month to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 virus.
Pray for the nation’s governors and state health agencies as they work to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. – Psalm 62:8
