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- Friday, May 15
President Donald Trump and members of his administration are wrapping up their visit to Beijing, China. The summit has included discussions on economy, trade, energy, and security.
President Trump declared a National Sabbath beginning this evening at sundown. As part of National Jewish Heritage Month, President Trump called the observance “Shabbat 250,“ in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial this year. It is the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president has designated such an observance.
“In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,” President Trump wrote in his proclamation. “From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Trump to receive God’s wisdom as he concludes negotiations and discussions with President Xi in Beijing.
- For safe travels for President Trump and the members of the president’s administration as they return to the U.S.
- For the president as he highlights religious freedoms and observances as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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 • May 15, 2026
- ET: TBD: The President departs Beijing, China, en route The White House
- ET: TBD: The President arrives at the White House
- 12:15 AM ET: The President participates in a Bilateral Lunch with the President of the People`s Republic of China [Local: 12:15 PM]
- 1:54 AM ET: The President departs Zhongnanhai for Beijing Capital International Airport [Local: 1:54 PM]
- 2:20 AM ET: The President arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport [Local: 2:20 PM]
- 2:37 AM ET: The President departs Beijing Capital International Airport for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING WITH US!
The National Day of Prayer was a meaningful and encouraging time as God’s people came together in prayer. Throughout the day, we were inspired by the faith, unity, and hope reflected in every prayer lifted. Thank you to all who joined us in the National Prayer Room, called in their prayers, and participated from wherever you were. Your prayers truly make a difference as we lifted our nation before the Lord.
We would also love to hear about your National Day of Prayer experience. Whether you prayed online, at church, with family and friends, or attended a special gathering, please share what stood out to you. Photos from your church, an event you attended, or even with your prayer guide are welcome. We look forward to sharing these stories with fellow members of our prayer community.
CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY
Resources still available for a limited time:
▶ IPrayRadio.org streaming prayers through May 17
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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- Steve Witkoff, Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East
Steve Witkoff, Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East
- Born – March 1957 in New York City
- Education – B.A., J.D., Hofstra University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Real Estate Developer and Investor, lawyer, diplomat
- Political Experience – Co-chair Presidential Inaugural Committee
- In office since – 2025
- Family – Married to Lauren, 3 children
- Religious Affiliation – Jewish
- Steve Witkoff, Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East
- Music of the Heart
The Lord your God is in our midst, a mighty one who will save, he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will quiet you by his love, he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17
There is a ten-hour video on YouTube called “heaven ambiance,” featuring sound effects, some of which they claim are downloads of sounds emitted from space. Most of the sounds are electronic chords, and some are vocal. If you want something to put you to sleep at night, the soothing sounds offered might do that. From Earth’s earliest ages, there has been music. In Genesis 4, Jubal was called the father of all who played the harp and flute. Music and song are as timeless as the very nature of God. Job 38:7 states that the morning stars sang together.
Are you encouraged when you sing songs of praise? It has been said that people sing because God sings; they sing because the angels sing; they sing because all of creation sings. Today’s verse indicates that God sings when He is delighted, and He delights over you. Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “Think of the great Jehovah singing! Can you imagine it? Is it possible to conceive of the Deity breaking into song: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together singing over the redeemed? God is so happy in the love which He bears to His people that He breaks the eternal silence, and the sun and moon and stars with astonishment hear God chanting a hymn of joy.”
God has a musical heart, and He has planted songs within you. He delights in your songs of praise and worship to Him. Does the Lord find a song to Him when He looks into your heart? He longs for a heavenly duet with you! Pray for more believers in this nation to be quick with praise, in word and in song. Pray also for the men and women who hold public office, especially for the officials in the White House, to be quick to praise the Lord and seek to walk in harmony with Him.
Today’s Verse: Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.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: Psalm 57:7-11
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!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.
