August 20th – August 26th, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence, said “China poses a greater national security threat to the U.S. than any other nation—economically, militarily, and technologically. That includes threats of election influence and interference.”
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security announced further steps to push back against Chinese communications company, Huewei and blacklisted 38 Huewei affiliate groups.
Pray for the Trump Administration and its many efforts to counter Chinese activity including election interference.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Senator Martha McSally of Arizona introduced a resolution calling on China to repay U.S. bondholders more than $1.6 trillion of sovereign debt, including interest, that pre-dates that nation’s Communist government.
A group of Senators led by Cory Booker of New Jersey and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut released a plan for reforming college sports with an “athletes bill of rights” that would let student athletes earn money for their names, images, and likenesses with “minimal restrictions.”
Pray for members of Congress on their August recess, the call back to Washington to deal with the Postal Service, and their varied re-election or constituent activities.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld the constitutionality of the all-male military draft system. They cited a 1981 Supreme Court decision and said “only the Supreme Court may revise its precedent.”
The Supreme Court left in place a lower court ruling that relaxes voting restrictions in Rhode Island during the coronavirus pandemic, which means mail-in ballots will not, as usual, have to be accompanied by the signature of two witnesses or one notary.
Pray for the Supreme Court justices who will be asked to rule on varied challenges related to the coming election.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the dismantling of three terrorist financing cyber-enabled campaigns, seizing millions in cryptocurrency from al Qaeda, ISIS and the military wing of Hamas.
U.S. Central Command’s General Frank McKenzie said that the Islamic State is “not going to go away” and that a total defeat is not his goal. His focus is on preventing ISIS from holding territory so that local military can keep the situation in check.
Pray for all U.S. non-military actions to curtail the activities of terrorist groups worldwide.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
Greece has put its military forces on high alert, recalling its naval and air force officers from holiday, as tensions with Turkey over exploration of potentially-lucrative offshore oil and gas reserves escalate in the eastern Mediterranean. France has inserted itself by sending naval vessels to waters off Cyprus.
China has escalated warnings toward Taiwan since the island nation began strengthening ties with the U.S. After Secretary Alex Azar visited Taipei, China’s foreign ministry said it will not tolerate any form of official exchanges between Taiwan and third-party countries.
Pray about the growing unrest in the world as some nations seek to expand their control over others.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Iran has threatened the United Arab Emirates over its new Abraham Accord agreement with Israel, saying the UAE should expect punishment for normalizing relations, accept responsibility “for all the consequences of this action,” and the “UAE will be engulfed in Zionism fire.”
The Israeli Defense Ministry said it thwarted a cyberattack against its defense industry. A hacking group tied to North Korea used false job offers to try to gain access to sensitive networks where they could glean information.
Pray that more Arab nations will see the economic and military value of adopting the Abraham Accord for themselves.
THE ECONOMY
Retail sales increased 1.2 percent in July, a report by the Census Bureau said, which is a record high but a deceleration from the stronger recovery seen in recent months. Economists had projected a 2 percent increase.
High levels of unemployment may keep a lid on inflation even though consumer prices rose more than expected in July, increasing by the most in 29 1/2 years amid broad gains in the costs of goods and services.
Pray for Americans who are still unable to return to work, for businesses that remain shut down, and for a safe reopening of the nation’s economy.
ACROSS THE STATES
North Dakota voters will decide the fate of three measures in November, including two issues involving its State Board of Higher Education and ballot delivery to qualified military serving overseas.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan is asking the Washington State Supreme Court to reverse the decision of a King County judge that has allowed a recall effort to go forward that could result in her being removed from office over her role In the police response to protests that have dominated the city this summer.
Pray for mayors and governors as they work to maintain peace in the midst of public demonstrations and civil unrest.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man – Ecclesiastes 12:13
