December 3rd – December 9th, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
The first two vaccines against the coronavirus could be available to Americans before Christmas, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said, as the FDA’s outside advisers meet December 10 and, if approved, vaccines could be out within days after.
White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and his team are in Saudi Arabia and Qatar this week for talks to help quell anxieties and tensions after the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist.
Pray for President Trump and his continued push on Operation Warp Speed to get the coronavirus vaccines delivered.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said that $30 billion in federal funds was needed to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, and his state alone would need “hundreds of millions” for distribution and education work around the distribution.
Lawmakers began returning to Washington this week knowing they must scramble to wrap up their work for 2020 and lay the groundwork for the new incoming House and Senate, even as an additional stimulus bill remains unresolved.
Pray that the lame-duck Congress will get a relief measure passed before they adjourn in two weeks.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether undocumented immigrants should be included in the Census totals when seats in Congress are divided up between the states next year.
A federal appeals court in Michigan rejected a Christian school’s request to intervene after being closed by the health department for not adhering to coronavirus safety measures by not requiring students and staff to wear masks and provide contact tracing.
Pray for judges across the country dealing with matters of religious liberties.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
The State Department reassured America’s commitment to a peaceful transition for Afghanistan, pledging $600 million in civilian aid to assist that Middle Eastern nation as President Trump looks to draw down troops there.
A 53-year-old New Jersey woman has been charged by federal prosecutors with trying to hide multiple attempts to send money to al Qaeda-linked militants in Syria including by the use of mobile phone apps.
Pray that the Taliban would adhere to the peace agreement made with the Afghan government last spring.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
The primary individual behind the military nuclear program in Iran was reportedly assassinated in Tehran. Iranian officials have speculated that Israel’s Mossad and the U.S. were involved.
A deadline for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in Ethiopia to lay down arms or face an assault on their highland capital expired as African Union envoys tried to convince them to surrender in their war that has killed thousands of its fighters.
Pray for U.S. and world officials dealing with Iran after the death of its scientist and one of its military commanders.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Maritime border talks between Israel and Lebanon have been postponed, and U.S. mediators will now contact the two delegations separately trying to resolve a dispute that is holding up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area.
Israel launched its second airstrike against Iranian forces inside Syria in less than a week, as a number of warplanes struck just outside Damascus with missiles meant to deter Iranian forces from advancing toward Israel’s northern border.
Pray for the leaders of Israel working to maintain that nation’s security in the face of threats from many of its neighbors.
THE ECONOMY
The Federal Reserve is extending emergency liquidity programs for the commercial paper and other key financial markets through March 31, a step to help financial markets plan through the beginning of 2021.
Consumers’ views of the economic outlook soured in November as coronavirus cases climbed across the country, dimming prospects for the months ahead and seeing no strength returning to the labor market in 2021.
Pray for everyone from federal officials to family groups who are planning budgets for the new year in the face of continued discouraging prospects for an economic recovery.
ACROSS THE STATES
Maine Governor Janet Mills’ hand-picked economic development committee is calling for more federal aid as the state wrestles with the financial impact of the coronavirus and is urging action on another federal stimulus package.
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green of Hawaii says before boarding a Hawaii-bound flight, passengers should get tested three days in advance and then receive a second test upon arrival at test sites in airports.
Pray for state leaders and health departments working to contain the coronavirus and deal with its impacts on numerous levels.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9
