April 2nd – April 8th, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency-use authorization for a pair of anti-malaria drugs as health officials work to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the country.
The Department of Energy ditched plans to purchase crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve because of a lack of funding from Congress, although the purchases were seen as a way to absorb some of the glut in crude markets.
Pray for Cabinet members and agencies of government as they continue to address the many non-corovirus related issues facing the nation.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the U.S. needs further economic relief, including bigger direct payments to Americans, additional funding for the food stamp program, and some of the more controversial items stricken from the last go-round—emissions restrictions on airlines and financial support for Planned Parenthood.
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has called for an international investigation to hold China to account for the COVID-19 crisis, and for restitution from Beijing pay for lives lost and economies destroyed.
Pray for members of Congress to be able to continue to work together on a bipartisan basis to “battle the war” against the COVID-19 virus.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
Supreme Court Justices ruled 6-3 that states are free to abandon the insanity defense for accused criminals who contend they did not know right from wrong, upholding a Kansas law that essentially allows consideration of mental state only at the sentencing phase of a trial.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has been ordered by the Supreme Court to take a second look at a $100 billion lawsuit ruling that accused a cable television operator of discrimination in its selection of channel contracts.
Pray for the nine justices of the Supreme Court to remain healthy and avoid the coronavirus.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
The Afghan government and Taliban are utilizing technology with virtual Skype meetings facilitated by the U.S. and Qatar as the peace agreement signed by the Taliban appears to have been ignored.
The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq withdrew from a military base in the north, which is the same base that was the subject of a rocket attack in late December by Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups.
Pray that the diplomatic activities between the Taliban and Afghan government will take a firm hold and peace can be achieved.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
The North Korean regime, which claims that the country is one of only a few in the world without coronavirus cases, is reportedly seeking help with testing and other medical aid, since what they have is “insufficient” in the event of contagion.
The U.S. government has charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several other Venezuelan officials of involvement in drug trafficking. The socialist leader, who seized control of the National Assembly earlier this year, already faces U.S. sanctions.
Pray for the leaders of nations who have opposed the United States to return to negotiations.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Israel appeared headed for a unity government late last week after opposition leader Benny Gantz moved toward an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, bringing resolution to a nearly one-year long political deadlock.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has entered self-isolation after a parliamentary aide tested positive for the coronavirus, although the prime minister previously tested negative. He will undergo another test, he said.
Pray that the government of Israel would be able to organize itself under a single leader.
THE ECONOMY
Gasoline prices at U.S. pumps plummeted to their lowest in years because of increased production of crude oil overseas and a lower demand linked to the COVID-19 pandemic internationally and at home.
U.S. consumer sentiment plunged in March as the global coronavirus pandemic weighed on the outlook for the economy, as economists around the world project the possibility of an international recession.
Pray for workers from many businesses across the country who have been laid off due to closures as a response to the coronavirus outbreak.
ACROSS THE STATES
An Idaho lawmaker led a church service on Sunday despite a statewide state-at-home order by Governor Brad Little to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It was not reported how many congregants attended the service.
Governor John Carney ordered out-of-state travelers to Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14-days to fight the spread of the coronavirus. The 14-day period is measured from the time of entry into the state or for the duration of the individual’s presence there, whichever is shorter.
Pray for unity and integrity for all state leaders as they work with President Trump, officials from the federal government, and local citizens in response to the outbreak.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7
