QUICK NAVIGATION
- Saturday, April 18
President Donald Trump announced that Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. Oil prices immediately decreased on the news of the Hormuz Strait being opened.
President Trump stated, “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” He added that the blockage will “remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran” until peace details are completed.
The United States military began to guard the strait earlier this week, blockading Iranian ports, which stopped all commerce from entering or leaving the country.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine explained that the blockade applied “to all ships regardless of nationality heading into or from Iranian ports.” He highlighted that the U.S. blockade had been of Iran’s ports and coastline, not the Strait of Hormuz, and that enforcement occurred “inside Iran’s territorial seas and international waters.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for President Trump and his advisors as they continue to pursue peace in the Middle East.
- For U.S. officials to be prudent in their ceasefire negotiations with Iran and in oversight of Israel and Lebanon.
- For the Lord’s protection over U.S. military personnel serving in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
First Ministry Letter of 2026!
Our gift to you this holiday as we remember the true reason for the season with sacred and traditional Christmas music.PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE
- President’s Today Schedule • April 18, 2026
- 8:00 AM ET: The President participates in Executive Time
- 9:00 AM ET: The President signs an Executive Order
For 25 years, The Presidential Prayer Team has united millions in sharing their prayers for America on the National Day of Prayer. We offer real-time, coast-to-coast prayer activities for those who might be unable to attend local events.
This year is especially meaningful as our nation joyfully celebrates its 250th birthday! What an extraordinary milestone marking God’s faithfulness across generations. Wherever you are, join believers nationwide as we give thanks for our nation’s history, celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, and boldly lift America and its leaders to the Lord in prayer.
Record Your Prayer Today
Call in and RECORD a prayer to be aired on May 7, 2026, the National Day of Prayer! You can be a blessing and encouragement to others, simply by adding your voice in lifting up our nation and leaders in prayer.
Call Now: 1-844-829-2022
Suggested Prayer Topics
• God’s faithfulness
• A specific federal or local government official
• U.S. military, veterans and first responders
(Prayer example from Dan in Georgia)
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16
PRAYER GUIDE
Signup now to receive a digital or special printer-friendly version of the official prayer guide!
As we lift up the federal government of United States of America, each day we will highlight one elected or appointed federal official serving in office. Pray with us for each of them as they tackle their unique responsibilities and fulfill their oaths of office.
TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
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- Tracey Mann, Representative for Kansas
Tracey Mann, Representative for Kansas
- Born – December 1976 in Quinter, Kansas
- Education – B.S., Kansas State University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Agriculture, commercial real estate
- Political Experience – Kansas Lieutenant Governor
- In office since – 2021
- Family – Married to Audrey, 4 children
- Religious Affiliation – Pietist
- Tracey Mann, Representative for Kansas
- Count Thoughtfully
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost? – Luke 14:28
Have you ever watched a home renovation show on television? The homeowners typically set out all the parameters for the designers, including their budget. As demolition starts, it frequently happens that unexpected problems come up. Some homeowners are ready with a contingency budget, while others scramble to figure out how to handle the extra expenses they hadn’t included in their calculations.
Life in general can sometimes feel this way. Unexpected costs, whether financial or otherwise, often crop up. In Luke 14, Jesus talks about the cost of following Him. He actually invited people to stop and consider what it would cost them to follow Him, to make sure they are truly ready to be His disciples. On the other hand, there is also a cost to not following Jesus. Each person must weigh the costs on both sides to decide what they are willing to pay.
Have you determined what you are willing to pay to follow Christ? Do you recognize what it would cost you not to follow Jesus? Ask the Lord to strengthen your walk as you follow Him today, that He will give you whatever you need to endure the cost you may face. As you consider the United States, pray that God would open up the eyes of the citizens of this nation to how costly it is to turn away from Him. Ask the Lord to draw the eyes and hearts of Americans, including those in positions of authority, to focus on the path that He has laid out.
Today’s Verse: Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 9:23-27
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
