May 28th – June 3rd, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, said a second coronavirus lockdown could post grave risks to the nation’s mental health, leading to increases in suicides, fatal drug overdoses and instances of substance abuse that are broad and long-lasting.
Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC Director, said the U.S. could experience renewed lockdowns later this year as a resurgence of the coronavirus is likely during the flu season, referencing evidence they’ve seen in the southern hemisphere.
Pray for God to grant supernatural wisdom to President Trump as he gives oversight to reopening the nation’s economy.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Congress is at a crossroads over whether to “go big” on the next coronavirus relief bill, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to do, or “pause,” as Senate Majority Leader McConnell insists.
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas led a letter signed by 27 Senators asking Attorney General Barr to investigate how several Planned Parenthood affiliates got $80 million worth of coronavirus relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, despite rules restricting them from receiving the money.
Pray that Congress would do what is best for the nation and avoid partisanship in the election year.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Trump Administration’s ability to withhold White House visitor logs saying disclosing names “would affect a president’s ability to receive unfettered, candid counsel from outside advisors and teachers, both domestic and foreign.”
A Michigan barber will be allowed to continue cutting hair after a state judge rebuffed the attorney general’s request for an emergency order to close his shop as a health hazard saying she failed to prove her case of increased public risk.
Pray for judges across America who will be making decisions that will affect many in reopening the national economy.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
A manhunt was underway for a possible second suspect after a shooting at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas that was determined to be terror-related after pro-al-Qaeda social media was found on the first suspect’s phone.
An ISIS terrorist possibly selected to lead the organization after the death of al-Baghdadi has been arrested in Iraq in an intelligence-led operation that possibly involved U.S. troops, Arab News reported.
For American law enforcement, FBI, and military members as they combat terrorism at home and abroad.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
Chinese Premier Li left out the word “peaceful” when referring to Beijing’s desire to “reunify” with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, an apparent policy shift that comes as ties with Taipei continue on a downward spiral.
China will impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year’s often violent pro-democracy unrest, potentially sparking fresh anti-China protests in the former British colony which enjoys many freedoms not allowed on the mainland.
Pray for leaders in Taiwan and Hong Kong as they seek to address China’s oppressive policies.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Many Israeli websites were hit by a coordinated cyberattack, with the home pages replaced by images of the country’s commercial capital, Tel Aviv, in flames. The pages were then replaced with the slogan, “The countdown to the destruction of Israel started long ago.” An official said that Iran may be responsible.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas absolved “all of the agreements and understandings with the American and Israeli governments and all the obligations based on these understandings and agreements, including the security ones,” because of Israel’s West Bank annexation plans.
Pray for Israeli officials as they endeavor to shield their nation from hostile forces.
THE ECONOMY
Nearly half of Americans, 47.5 percent, say they or someone in their household has lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic, a devastating loss that has fallen most heavily on lower-income workers, the Census Bureau reports.
Top U.S. airlines reported slower ticket cancellations and signs of improving demand, with some airlines adding more planes to accommodate low-level occupancy rules and others saying cash flow was on track to break even by the end of the year
Pray for a steady and stable increase in the national economy; and that people will have jobs to return to as more businesses reopen.
ACROSS THE STATES
State officials are confident Minnesota will have the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the anticipated COVID-19 peak despite health care workers concerns that there will not be enough masks, gowns and gloves for the front line.
An investigation by nearly three dozen attorneys general around the country will bring nearly $30 million in direct payments and debt relief to Arkansas customers after a settlement of a case involving alleged predatory actions of an auto loan company for high-risk consumers.
Pray for state health officials and attorneys general as well as the governors and legislators, all seeking a safe return to “normal” within their states.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12
