The Presidential Prayer Team
Office of the President
February 29, 2024
The Pulse of the Praying American
Dear Prayer Warrior,
Last month we issued the 2024 Vital Signs survey. As usual, the response we got from the members of this prayer team was significantly higher than most national polls and surveys. Thank you for your help in letting us take the pulse of the praying American.
This strong representation of America’s praying community has identified the issues of greatest importance that face the United States today. In each generation, a country will see cultural and social shifts in society, but the dramatic attention to many of these issues that are at the core of who and what America was founded upon is an urgent indicator of the need to be praying today.
As reported by you, these are the most important issues facing America today. Three items that moved up from previous year’s polling are abortion/reproductive policies, immigration/border policies, and government spending/debt. Not surprisingly, the first two are frequently discussed in the news, and the third is timely with a pending government shutdown deadline approaching March 8th.
Over the coming months, as we head toward the general election, we will be covering many of these key issues that you have identified to better assist and guide you in prayer.
Another focus of the survey was how praying Americans obtain information on key issues and how those have changed over the years. Three important takeaways that we found are as follows:
- Reading policy platforms from political parties has decreased significantly. This may indicate that many see that the actions of political officials may not match the messages they campaigned on or promised.
- Listening to radio/podcast discussions overwhelmingly replaced watching televised discussions on issues. Many of us, especially younger Americans, are taking advantage of the increase in choices of who we pay attention to because of the ease of digital distribution online through radio and podcasts instead of those chosen by organizations to be placed in front of us on television.
- Discussing issues with family and friends has increased significantly over the past few years. The old adage of not bringing up politics and religion may be breaking down. Despite being told that we are an increasingly polarized country, it is heartening to know that we can still share with each other in an open and, hopefully, respectful way.
We are encouraged to see that you are seeking guidance through God’s word. This is a great foundation for every area of life. When we couple that with prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we grow closer in our relationship with God.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
Please invite others to join the prayer team, and we ask that you share your prayer requests and praises with us. Prayer is a precious gift that God has given to us; He hears our prayers and answers them according to His perfect plan and purpose.
Thank you again for your faithfulness in serving with us,
Jim Bolthouse
President
P.S. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 2, 2024, for the National Day of Prayer. We will once again be hosting an online national prayer room along with many prayer resources.
You Can Help Reach Our Nation for Prayer
We want to openly share our needs and keep you informed about the status of this ministry. Since 2001, this ministry has been reaching millions of Americans with the help of God’s people, who have graciously underwritten the daily expenses of the prayer team. Every gift, no matter the size, is of great help. We invite you to prayerfully consider helping us meet our monthly budgeted need with a gift today. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.
Key Questions and Answers
Q: Who can join?
A. You and everyone who prays! We encourage you to invite family, friends, and church members to join. They can text INFO to 772911 for full information. (U.S. and Canadian cell phone numbers only at this time.)
Q: Does this work on any smart device or phone?
A: Pray First will work with any registered phone device that has a 10-digit number (U.S. and Canada with active SIM/eSIM). It is not compatible with third-party messaging systems that do not require a phone number. This allows us to use the largest text messaging providers for near-instant sending, to reach millions of cell phone across the country.
Q: When can I expect my first text message?
A: You will receive an immediate response confirming that you are now a Prayer First Responder. Regular text notifications will begin early October when the system goes live.
Q: What should I do when I receive a message?
A: When a prayer text message arrives on your phone, take the matter before the Lord. You will be joining a vast community of prayer warriors who received the same message and praying with you at the same time.
Q: What if I prefer to receive email?
A: If you are signed up to receive daily and/or weekly emails from the prayer team, those will continue with no interruption. This is simply a new service aimed at providing timely prayer needs to your fingertips as quickly and effectively as possible. Email can sometimes be slowed by service providers, or even blocked, and this service will ensure unfiltered delivery.
Q: How often will I get a text message?
A: You may receive 1 or 2 per week, with up to 8 messages per month. Messages will be limited to local daytime hours.
Q: Are there any fees?
A: This is a free service for all who participate, and most cell phone providers offer free texting. We trust God’s people will see the impact value this service and support our costs – as they have over the past 22 years.
Q: What if I need to stop for any reason?
A: You can opt-out at any time by simply replying STOP to 772911. And you can rejoin again later at your convenience.
If you have any unanswered questions or thoughts, please Contact Us here.
Donate
Show your support with a financial gift to help keep your prayer ministry going. Prayerfully consider giving a donation as we continue to reach America for prayer!
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