QUICK NAVIGATION
- Sunday, December 21
Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the South African government’s recent detention of U.S. officials performing their duties to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners. He also called the public release of U.S. officials’ passport information an “unacceptable form of harassment.”
Secretary Rubio stated, “This can only be seen as an attempt to intimidate U.S. government personnel in South Africa on official business. The United States will not tolerate such behavior toward its government’s officials – or toward any of its citizens – who are legally and peacefully operating abroad. The public release of personal identifying information puts the official in harm’s way.”
The secretary of state concluded, “Failure by the South African Government to hold those responsible accountable will result in severe consequences. We call on the Government of South Africa to take immediate action to bring this situation under control and hold those responsible accountable.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio to receive God’s wisdom as he heads the State Department.
- For God’s protection of U.S. officials serving in South Africa, and around the globe.
- For President Trump as he directs humanitarian aid and support to people of foreign lands.
Ministry Letter – Read Now!
This special 2026 wall calendar honors two historic milestones: America’s 250th Anniversary and The Presidential Prayer Team’s 25th Year of Ministry.
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 • December 21, 2025
- ET: The President has no public events scheduled
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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- Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Education – B.A., Yale University; M.A., University of Chicago
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Medical research executive
- Political Experience – Principal Associate Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
- In office since – 2025
- Family – 3 children
- Religious Affiliation – Undisclosed
- Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Walking With You
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. – Lamentations 1:12
Legend has it, Macedonian soldiers trained by marching. Stunningly, though they would march seemingly past the point of human endurance, exhaustion and hunger, thirst and cold would not stop them. Why? The answer is simple, their King, Alexander, was known to march WITH them. He was just as hungry and tired and cold as they were, but he marched on. His fortitude was their strength.
How confusing Christianity might appear at this time of the year. At Christmas, Christians celebrate the happy birth of their Savior, singing “Oh tidings of comfort and joy,” yet they regularly refer to him as a “man of sorrows, despised and rejected.” Why would anyone celebrate the birth of a child that would be called the “man of sorrows?”
Macedonian soldiers, with the king walking along beside them, established the largest empire of their time. Every follower of Christ experiences that kind of Kingly companionship. Jesus knew sorrow and felt the struggle of living a life pleasing to God in a broken world. He personally experienced the betrayal of close friends and the rejection of the elite crowd. Jesus relates to you because He lived like you.
Are you missing the joy in Christmas? Reconsider WHY the birth of Christ is such good news. Your King Jesus walks with you! Pray today for those in American government who do not know the comfort and joy found in the Man of sorrows. Ask that many will meet Him this holiday season.
Today’s Verse: Lamentations 1:12
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look and see
if there is any sorrow like my sorrow,
which was brought upon me,
which the Lord inflicted
on the day of his fierce anger.“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: Mark 14:32-42
And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
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.
