Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for our Military
Huntsville, Alabama, has been named as the headquarters for the U.S. Space Command, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced. Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Texas and Florida had also been considered as possible headquarters sites. The Air Force said Huntsville checked off all the requirements for the Air Force: proximity to military bases involved with space, high security, and communications capabilities.
The Pentagon is moving forward with plans to rename several U.S. military bases. Half of the panel charged with leading the effort is filled, but the remaining members of the eight-person panel will be appointed by the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has been reduced to 2,500, the lowest level of American forces since 2001, the Pentagon reported.
Pray for America’s troops and those who lead them.
Pray for AMERICA’S FREEDOMS
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said that she would like to “figure out how we rein in our media environment” so misinformation and disinformation are not so easily spread. She believes Congress should discuss a plan for “federal truth and reconciliation” or “media literacy initiatives to help with healing.”
Pray for members of Congress as they are work to guard the freedoms outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Pray for AMERICA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran has taken a new step toward possible atomic weapons production by starting work on an assembly line to manufacture key material at the core of nuclear warheads, intending to produce more advanced fuel, and saying it “would make uranium metal to make an advanced fuel for the Tehran reactor”
Kim Jong Un has vowed to improve North Korea’s ties to the outside world as economic problems persist. Additionally, North Korea is preparing to increase the production of nuclear weapons, citing hostility from the U.S.
Pray for U.S. and foreign officials as they address the increase of nuclear weapons in the hands of hostile nations.
Pray For AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Results of early trials of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are promising, and if Phase 3 trials are successful, there could soon be another tool with which to fight against the virus.
Statistics show that the confirmed number of worldwide deaths from COVID-19 approached 1 million as of January 14. But experts say the actual number of casualties caused by the pandemic may be closer to 3 million. Experts also say that, while two-thirds of the excess deaths recorded were attributable to COVID-19, many of those had compounding health conditions that caused complications in their ability to fight off the virus.
Pray for health officials as they work to accurately address the COVID pandemic. Pray for the manufacturers of the various vaccines as they manufacture massive quantities of doses.
Pray for AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL
Israel has been stepping up airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria, launching an air attack near the main border crossing between Syria and Iraq, one of the biggest strikes yet in its escalating campaign against the regime in Tehran.
The Iranian parliament introduced a bill setting a twenty-year time frame for the destruction of Israel. The bill lists Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and groups in the Gaza Strip as potential allies in its goal to eliminate Israel by 2041.
Pray for peace in the region and for God to be at work through the Abraham Accords that were signed last year. Pray for Israel as it faces ongoing threats by Iran and its allies.
Pray for THE AMERICAN ECONOMY
Initial claims for unemployment benefits jumped to nearly one million in mid-January as the coronavirus surge resulted in more layoffs. Claims are now at their highest level since mid-August, as is a sign that the economic recovery may not yet be on solid footing.
Consumer prices increased solidly last month amid a surge in the cost of gasoline, although underlying inflation remained tame as the economy continues battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pray for administration leaders who will be setting economic policies for the future of America.
Pray for AMERICA’S JUSTICE System
New York State Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the New York City Police Department seeking to install a federal monitor to oversee the department. The suit stems from protests over the summer, where the Attorney General’s office found widespread civil rights abuses by police against protesters.
Pray for federal prosecutors arguing cases regarding equality and justice according to America’s laws.
Pray for America’s Media
The CEO of Twitter said the decision to ban 45th President Donald Trump was necessary, but he raises questions about the power of social media companies and Twitter’s failure to promote healthy conversation. “I feel a ban is a failure of ours ultimately to promote healthy conversation. And a time for us to reflect on our operations and the environment around us,” said Jack Dorsey in a tweet.
Pray for Congress as they consider the balance of responsibilities of social media platforms, the freedom of enterprise to deny services, and the freedom of speech and expression.
Pray for Goodness in America
Representatives Michael Waltz of Florida and Vicky Hartzler of Missouri showed their appreciation for the National Guard troops protecting the Capitol Building by sending in pizzas. Waltz is a former U.S. Army Green Beret and Hartzler is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Representative Hartzler said, “Our National Guardsmen and Capitol Police are the true heroes and patriots. Let’s keep them in our prayers.”
Pray for the protection of our National Guard and law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C. this week.
Pray for Needs ACROSS the STATES
Montana’s House of Representatives is considering a bill that would expand permission for the carrying of both permitted and permitless concealed firearms, including on college campuses and in government buildings, in some cases.
Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio signed a new bill into law mandating that a physician be present when a woman takes the first of two pills during a chemical abortion. This measure will prevent the practice of “telemedicine abortions” throughout the state.
Pray for the nation’s governors and state legislators and about the new proposed bills they are introducing.
