Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for America’s Military
The Pentagon said defense officials are working closely with the State Department after a U.S. sailor was taken into custody in Venezuela. The service member was reportedly detained after traveling there on personal business. A Level 4 Advisory, Do Not Travel, has been listed by the State Department for Venezuela, and the U.S. embassy located there was closed over 5 years ago
Pray for U.S. Defense and State Department officials as they consider the incarcerations of American service members in adversarial nations. And pray that active duty personnel would be prudent in their travel choices.
PRAY FOR AN END TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy met with senior officials in Ukraine this week. Drone attacks are increasing in the war between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down 20 out of 25 drones sent over six Ukraine regions this week. Similarly, the Russian defense ministry stated a drone from Ukraine was intercepted in one of its regions.
For U.S. and international leaders as they discuss the war in Ukraine and potential strategies for peace.
Pray for AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL
Defense Secretary Austin urged Israel to examine its “rules of engagement while operating in the West Bank” after a U.S. citizen protesting the Israeli settlements in the West Bank was recently shot and killed.
Pray for wisdom for U.S., Israeli, and Arab officials as they assess and discuss a possible ceasefire.
Pray for AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over 70 percent of the vaping products used by minors in the United States are produced in China. These illegal nicotine products, many rebranded to avoid import restrictions, have permeated the U.S. market after China banned flavored e-cigarettes two years ago. None of the Chinese products are approved by the FDA.
Pray for discernment for U.S. health officials as they seek ways to prevent American youth from becoming addicted to vaping and smoking.
Pray for Needs Across the States
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a proposed amendment that would reverse the state’s restrictions on abortion may stay on the general election ballot. The case went to the state’s high court after a county circuit judge decided that that amendment violated state law.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy appointed his former chief of staff, George Helmy, to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Bob Menendez’s resignation. Senator Helmy was sworn into office this week.
Pray for governors and other state officials to receive God’s direction as they take action on issues that are important to their constituents.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
“I’d like you to start with me in Psalm 118. … let’s go down to verse 24, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. … If you quoted that verse, if you knew that verse, and you woke up every day and said that: this is the day that the Lord has made – He made this day – so we, our responsibility is to what? To rejoice and to be glad in it. So how is that working out for you so far? You say, ‘So what’s the day going to hold?‘ It doesn’t say anything about that. It doesn’t matter what the day holds. He made it, and you have an option: either to rejoice and be glad in it, or to complain.“ – Richard Ellis, Richard Ellis Talks, September 2024
