June 4th – June 10th, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
Brooke Rollins, acting director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said, “This president and his focus on bringing safety and security and prosperity to America has never been more laser-focused,” after a major nationwide eruption of racial unrest and protests have ravaged major cities.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under U.S. laws in the same manner as applied to it before July 1976. “No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground.”
Pray for wisdom for President Trump, his Cabinet, and others who advise him.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Representative Ken Buck of Colorado “introduced legislation to ensure taxpayers aren’t bailing out states and localities that are setting up programs to send COVID-19 cash payments to illegal immigrants” while 40 million Americans are out of work.
A bipartisan $3 billion plan to prepare for the next global health crisis has been offered in the Senate. It would put a premium on fighting disease outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19, rebuilding the health defense system, investing in global vaccine developments, and helping other countries built up their health systems.
Pray for the leaders of the Senate and House and the legislation that would provide additional financial relief to many across America.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected calls by churches in California and Illinois to block restrictions on worship services during the coronavirus outbreak in a 5-4 decision saying elected officials must be given wide latitude to make health and safety judgments during a pandemic.
The Texas Supreme Court blocked a decision that allowed mail-in balloting for voters who feared for their health because of the coronavirus outbreak, saying lack of immunity is not a disability under the Election Code.
Pray for members of the Supreme Court who are writing many decisions that will publish during the month of June.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan is down to nearly 8,600, well ahead of a scheduled agreed to with the Taliban militants in February, in part because of concerns about the spread of the COVID-19, officials said.
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force deployed to Denver to “apprehend and charge violent agitators hijacking peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law,” a U.S. attorney said. They are also charged with investigation ongoing of activity elsewhere.
Pray for an end to the “domestic terror” being brought by agitators who have hijacked the peaceful demonstrations across America.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
The U.S. National Security Agency warned the government and private companies about a Russian hacking operation that uses a special intrusion technique to target operating systems often used by industrial firms to manage computer infrastructure.
Senator Ted Cruz called for a criminal investigation into Twitter for a “blatant and willful violation” of U.S. sanctions against Iran in providing a platform to Iranian leaders such as the Ayatollah and foreign minister in violation of the Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Pray for America’s agencies and leaders charged with overseeing our national security.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged settlers to support the historic opportunity provided to Israel by President Donald Trump’s sovereignty plan that applies to the territory of Judea and Samaria.
Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz said he ordered the military to step up preparations for Israel’s pending annexation of parts of the West Bank that could stoke more Palestinian violence.
Pray for Israel’s leaders in their preparations for additional settlements; pray for peace with the Palestinians.
THE ECONOMY
Consumer sentiment faltered in late May as Americans became increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook even as business re-openings and benefit payments lifted spirits about the current situation.
New home sales increased in April by 16 percent over March, the Commerce Department reported, despite nationwide lockdowns that banned real estate agents in some states from even showing listed houses.
Pray for Americans to be wise consumers in their pent-up demand for goods and services following the months of lockdown.
ACROSS THE STATES
Connecticut’s policy allowing transgender females to compete as girls in high school sports violates the civil rights of athletes who are biologically female in an Education Dept. decision that could force the state to change course to keep federal funding.
The Statehouse in Ohio was a target of protesters as they tried to breach the building Thursday night and damaged other buildings and businesses, including a theater, in downtown Columbus.
Pray for all state leaders and city mayors and their responses in dealing with the actions of anarchists.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, “They are my people;” and they will say, “The Lord is my God.” – Zechariah 13:9
