President Bush acknowledges applause and cheers during his address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention August 20 in Orlando, FL. He thanked the members of the VFW for their work on behalf of America's veterans and their support in fighting the war on terror. Pray for the President as he continues to provide support for returning veterans. Photo courtesy of the White House. | Pray for President and Mrs. Bush as they continue a working vacation at their Crawford, TX ranch, asking God to meet their needs and to provide meaningful moments of rest and rejoicing. Pray for safety for them as they work and recreate on the ranch.
Pray for President Bush, Secretary of State Rice and others as they work to persuade Russia to fully withdraw from and cease violent acts in the nation of Georgia. Pray for God’s protection and grace in this crisis; pray for NATO nation leaders as they join this effort. Pray for peace in this entire situation.
Pray for the members of our military who continue to bring humanitarian assistance to the people of Georgia, asking God to keep them safe as they serve. Pray that the supplies and aid they provide will be of great help to those in need.
As Tropical Storm Fay continues its march across North Florida and Georgia, pray for their safety and care in the face of this long-enduring storm. Pray for those in Florida who were impacted by the storm.
Pray for Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman who was hospitalized Tuesday with an elevated heart rate. Pray for wisdom for physicians as he undergoes tests.
Pray for the family and friends of Rep. Tubbs Jones of Ohio who died following the rupture of an aneurysm in her brain on Wednesday. A prayer vigil was held for her on Capitol Hill on Wednesday evening. Funeral services are pending.
As the Summer Olympic Games draw to a close, continue to pray for physical and spiritual protection over the city of Beijing, the athletes, officials, observers and workers, asking God to continue to serve His highest purposes throughout this event. Pray for religious freedoms for the people of China to grow.
Give thanks for the Saddleback Civil Forum which featured Pastor Rick Warren questioning each of the presidential candidates regarding their perspectives on topics of great interest to Christians. Pray that many more citizens will view the forum so they may be well-informed as they consider for whom they will vote. You can watch the forum HERE.
The Democratic National Convention begins Monday, August 25 in Denver. Over 50,000 visitors are anticipated between Saturday, August 23 and Thursday, August 28 including delegates, guests and 15,000 members of the media. Pray for God’s powerful protection and presence at the Pepsi Center and throughout the seven county metropolitan Denver area. Pray for wisdom for delegates, integrity for members of the media, grace for organizers and workers and for good will and peace to govern the entire week. Pray for safety for demonstrators who seek to exercise their God-given right to free speech. Pray for God’s sovereign will to be done as delegates gather to exercise the great privileges granted by the blessings of democracy.
Pray for each presumptive candidate as he heads into the next several days—for the selection of a vice presidential running mate, for the preparation, plans and mood of each party’s convention and for continued health and strength.
Pray for those who are completing arrangements for the Republican National Convention, set for September 1-4, asking for God’s wisdom and help as decisions are made and final preparations are put in place.
As a group of college and university presidents are calling for the lowering of the legal age to consume alcohol, pray for God’s wisdom and intervention in this decision. Pray for those who educate students about the difficulties alcohol can bring to succeed with their message; pray for those who are in the grip of alcohol addiction to be set free and pray for those who are flirting with alcohol abuse to see the destruction and pain that awaits them and then choose to turn away from alcohol abuse.
President Bush has announced the members of his Presidential Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games on August 24. Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao will chair the group, replacing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, whose travel schedule has changed due to developing world events. Other members include the Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services; the Honorable Clark T. Randt, Jr., United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China; the Honorable Karen Hughes, Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller; Mr. Peter Ueberroth, President of the United States Olympic Committee and Ms. Michelle Kwan, Figure Skating Champion and American Public Diplomacy Envoy. Pray for safety and blessing for these individuals as they travel and represent the United States.
Pray for our troops, serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe, that they will be encouraged and strengthened for the important work they do. Pray for the success of each one as they faithfully do their work, and pray for victory in each location where our troops face down enemies of freedom.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
—The Bible, John 15:7 (NIV)
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
—The Bible, Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV)
 A very special friend of PPT has written a wonderful book that every family will want. A Grandparent’s Prayer Journal is chock full of Scripture-based prayers that range from character building to dream building. It has space for birthdates, special occasion dates, notes, your grandchild’s photo and a section to enter special prayer requests from parents and grandchildren. The print is large enough to facilitate easy reading. Order yours now and begin blessing your grandchildren right away!
“I poured out my soul before God, and arose from my knees in peace, because the trouble that was in the soul was in believing prayer cast upon God, and thus I was kept in peace."
—George Mueller, in Answers to Prayer
 Portrait of Gerald Ford courtesy of the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum. |
President Gerald Ford Shares His Reliance on God
In the few hours before the presidency was suddenly thrust upon me, one of my aides asked what verse I wanted the Bible opened to when I took the oath of office. I turned to the Bible which [my son] Mike had given me when I became vice-president, Read more.
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Photo courtesy of EPA/Paul Buck.
Fantastic Forum!
Millions watched as candidates McCain and Obama shared the stage, one hour each, with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Warren was his usual warm and engaging self, and he impressed many with his candor and ease with each of the men, whom he referred to as good friends.
No Separation of Faith and Politics
As he began the event, he reminded the audience of the importance of what they were about to hear, saying, “We believe in the separation of church and state, but we do not believe in the separation of faith and politics, because faith is just a world view, and everybody has some kind of world view. It's important to know what they are.”
It is for this very reason that we’ve encouraged PPT members to view the Saddleback Civil Forum—because it offers an opportunity to learn the views of each candidate on a variety of very important topics.
We want to encourage you to watch and send us your comments.
And remember to stay engaged in the election process through out 40 Days to Pray the Vote initiative.
Be sure to tell a friend about 40 Days to Pray the Vote, or post a prayer on the Pray the Vote Prayer Wall. And be encouraged that you are participating in the most-prayed-for election ever! | |
A pastor raises his hand in a sign of blessing as he pronounces a benediction over his congregation at the end of worship. Pray for those giving invocations and benedictions at the Democratic National Convention, asking God to guide them as they consider their thoughts and words. Photo courtesy of Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church. |
The Business of Invocations and Benedictions
An invocation is a prayer in which the intercessor publicly asks for blessing, wisdom or guidance from God for the gathering—worshipful or other—that is about to take place. It’s a call for help, support and a communal way to acknowledge the presence and purposes of God in a given setting.
A benediction is “good words” prayed at the end of a gathering—a final blessing of sorts, meant to drive home the God-inspired content of the event. We often have benedictions at worship services; in some traditions they are rote; in others they are freelanced.
Invocations and benedictions are a part of most religious gatherings. But they are also common in civil gatherings as well, and both party conventions will include this important tradition in each evening’s plenary session.
As we continue to pray for the candidates, delegates and the conventions, let us remember and give thanks for the great tradition of faith in our nation which will have prayer—literally—at the front and back ends of the conventions.
PPT members have responded enthusiastically to our 40 Days to Pray the Vote daily emails. If you have not participated in this effort, we urge you to sign up today! Unsure what to expect? You can view a sample page HERE.
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Encourage your church to pray!
Provide your church with the most current prayer information for the President and our nation.
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See the PPT Church Bulletin insert HERE.
Candidates McCain and Obama each had a personal conversation with Pastor Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA during the Presidential Forum. If you missed out on this excellent opportunity to know the candidates better, you can watch it HERE. |
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Pray for President Bush today as he has returned to his Crawford, TX ranch following visits to Orlando, FL and New Orleans, LA. Pray for continued refreshment and rest during this working vacation...
Pray for those in the path of Tropical Storm Fay as it continues to pound the coast of Florida and Georgia--for safety and care, and for those who work to ensure the safety of citizens. Pray for the storm to dissipate and move offshore so no further damage will be done. Pray also for those in its wake who are without power and who now face cleanup and rebuilding. Pray for God's grace for all who are impacted by this long-enduring storm...
Pray for Secretary of State Rice, in Baghdad, Iraq today for a surprise visit, speaking with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki seeking accord regarding the withdrawal of troops from that nation. Pray for God's protection and guidance as she negotiaties...
Pray for Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman who is hospitalized for an elevated heart rate. His heart rate has since stabilized and he will remain hospitalized for a few days to undergo a variety of tests...
Pray for Senators McCain and Obama as they choose running mates and prepare for their respective party conventions, asking God to be present in all they do...
Pray for continued protection over the Summer Olympic Games--for the thousands of athletes, hundreds of thousands of spectators, volunteers and workers--that the entire event, all venues and sites will be secure and safe. Pray for those working to keep all secure and free from danger or attack...
Pray for God's continued protection over all citizens, as we continue to enjoy security and have not experienced a terror attack on American soil... | | |
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I hope that by now, you've taken time to watch the historic Saddleback Civil Forum, moderated by Pastor Rick Warren last Saturday.
In these personal, one-hour conversations, we saw both candidates sharing issues of great interest to those in the faith community. I was impressed by both candidates and their candid responses to questions posed by Pastor Warren. It gave you and me a good side by side look at where each candidate stood on these important issues.
I've heard from many of you that you are concerned—in fact some say they are frightened—about the upcoming election because they don't know what the candidates really stand for. The Saddleback Civil Forum was a perfect opportunity to hear from both men directly their views on many key issues.
I urge you to click on the link below and catch the forum, It truly was a historic and special moment.
As you become more informed on the candidates, you are then able to pray more effectively. And that's the goal of The Presidential Prayer Team-to do everything we can to help you pray intelligently and informed. As always, we thank you for your prayers. Your partnership changes our nation.
View the Saddleback Forum
Post your comment on the Saddleback Forum
Sign up for 40 Days to Pray the Vote
 Photo courtesy of the White House. |
Over the last seven years, our country has faced many trials. And time and time again we have turned to prayer and found strength and resilience. We prayed with those who've lost everything in natural disasters, and helped them heal and recover and build. We prayed for our brave and brilliant troops who died on the field of battle. We lift up their families in prayer. And as we pray for God's continued blessings on our country, I think it makes sense to hope that one day there may be a International Day of Prayer… It will be a chance for people of faith around the world to stop at the same time to pause to praise an Almighty. It will be a time when we could prayer together for a world that sees the promise of the Psalms made real: "Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."
—George W. Bush, May 1, 2008
People Believe God Can Heal a Dying Loved One
Courtesy of Courtesy of CBN
 A recent study shed light for physicians seeking to support and counsel families with a loved one near death. |
A majority of Americans believe that God can intervene when a family member is dying, according to a new survey.
University of Connecticut researchers found that 57 percent the people they polled believe God can save a dying family member. They also found that more than 20 percent of doctors and medical workers felt that God can change a hopeless situation.
Read more.
 Michael W. Smith |
For the past seven years, The Presidential Prayer Team has provided invaluable support for President Bush. He has expressed his gratitude for these prayers so many times, saying that this is the greatest gift we can give to him. I am personally grateful for the effort of faithful PPT intercessors who have strengthened America through prayer. And now, as we look to change in the White House, I urge you to continue to pray for our leaders, and to support our new president, whoever it may be, with our faithful prayers.
—Michael W. Smith, Co-Chair of PPT’s Honorary Committee and Christian Recording Artist
Be sure to watch for Michael’s newest recording, A New Hallelujah, available now!
The Democratic National Committee has selected a variety of clergy persons and others to bring invocations and benedictions at the evening sessions each night of the convention. Others will convene “faith caucuses” to educate and motivate delegates as they seek to understand the religious community. Pray for God’s presence and grace for these ministers as they serve in this way. Read more.
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 Your prayers and participation in our 40 Days to Pray the Vote initiative are doing much to strengthen our nation and to prepare PPT to initiate prayer for our next president! Now you can enjoy these powerful prayers in printed form when you request our America the Beautiful Devotional Prayer Magazine. We’d love to send it to you when you give a gift to PPT. Click HERE to learn more.
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A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transports Georgian soldiers from Iraq to Georgia on August 12. Georgia has been one of the strongest supporters of coalition troops in Iraq. Pray for our troops as they bring humanitarian relief to Georgia. Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense. |
TJ is stationed in Hawaii with his wife Christine, and three children. He will probably deploy in January for one year. Pray for his safety as well as protection for his family.
Thank you for your prayers. The support is much needed and appreciated as Byron is stationed in a combat area. Please pray for smooth transitions and that he would be a light to his men. Also, for his safety and for peace for me here at home. God bless you.
While the area Brett is stationed in is far more peaceful than last year and the US forces haven't fired a single shot, there are still US lives being lost. Several weeks ago a suicide bomber dressed as an Iraqi policeman walked into a meeting of high ranking Marines and local government officials and blew himself up. Three Marines were killed and others critically injured. Just a few days ago an 18-year-old Marine was ambushed on an outpost while standing guard and shot in the head at point blank range. In the midst of the loss of his brothers in arms, I'm praying that God will draw him near and strengthen Brett's relationship with God. Only a couple more months and he'll be back in the US. I'm praying that he stays alert and diligent and that they suffer no more losses until that time.
Jenny has finally finished all her training. She graduated airborne/cook and is stationed in North Carolina. She is having trouble adjusting right now. She feels all alone. I tell her never alone for God is with you always. She will be shipping to Iraq come November.
Chris has arrived back in Afghanistan. He is there for about four more months. It was so good to have him here for that short time. Pray that he remains safe over the next months and that God will once again lead him back to his family.
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