April 16th – April 22nd, 2020
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
President Trump, citing safety concerns brought on by the coronavirus outbreak, said he will ask for a “major” delay for the 2020 Census, as it is not a time to be going door-to-door to collect information from those who have not already responded.
President Trump and his advisers are developing plans to get the U.S. economy back into action that depend on testing far more Americans and would open sections of the country at a time, perhaps as early as four to eight weeks.
Pray for President Trump, the task force on the coronavirus, and the new economic councils he is putting into place for reopening the country.
PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said they won’t implement remote voting anytime soon despite growing concern from bipartisan members that in-person voting is dangerous given the coronavirus pandemic.
Four members of the House of Representatives have introduced legislation aimed at curbing price gouging during the coronavirus pandemic calling it “outrageous that some companies and individuals are taking advantage of American consumers by price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pray for members of the House as Speaker Pelosi says they will not return until May 4 although there is much to be done.
PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments by telephone conference to maintain social distancing during the month of May. Cases involve President Trump’s financial records, religious liberty, and the Electoral College.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Texas can enforce limits on the ability of women to obtain abortions as part of the state’s policy requiring postponement of non-urgent medical procedures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pray for each of the Supreme Court Justices to remain healthy and free from the virus.
CURRENT EVENTS
WARS AND TERRORISM
Islamic State fighters attacked Syrian troops loyal to the government of President Bashar al-Assad in the central province of Homs, where the intense fighting in two villages left nearly 50 dead, including 27 government troops.
According to the Red Cross, in an important step toward peace, the Taliban released 10 Afghan security force prisoners after the Afghan government released 300 “low-risk” Taliban captives who have pledged not to return to the fight.
Pray for peace in the ongoing negotiations and side agreements between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
FOREIGN INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS
South Korea’s CDC said the coronavirus may be “reactivating” in people who have been cured of the illness, citing patients who tested positive after being released from quarantine. They are saying this is not “re-infection” but the virus reasserting itself.
Japan is devoting more than $2.2 billion of its coronavirus economic stimulus package to incentivize its manufacturers to move their production out of China as relations fray between the neighboring countries in the wake of the pandemic.
Pray for national leaders around the globe who are dealing with the COVID-19 virus and its after-effects.
ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST
The World Health Organization, under criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 virus, has targeted Israel for criticism in at least 2000 of all the reports produced each year on the health of humankind, fueling concerns of bias against Israel and the Jewish people.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz are struggling to agree on terms for a unity government, leaving the country in political limbo and raising the specter of another do-over general election.
Pray for meetings being held between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mr. Gantz as they try to reach a coalition deal.
THE ECONOMY
Even though the economic downturn due to the virus has led to tens of thousands of job losses, many companies are also advertising job openings, such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, Microsoft, UPS, Zoom, and many grocery chains.
Consumer prices fell by the most in more than five years in March and further decreases are likely as the coronavirus outbreak suppresses demand for some goods and services, offsetting price increases related to shortages resulting from disruptions to the supply chain.
Pray for supply chain companies as they work to keep essentials in stock and for Americans as they shop for basic necessities at groceries and other stores.
ACROSS THE STATES
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that voters will be able to cast absentee ballots for the state’s primary in June, so that “New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their civic duty.”
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavey, called on the citizens of his state to make Good Friday a day of prayer and hope, inviting prayer from Franklin Graham of Samaritans’ Purse, and including an 18-minute video featuring Alaska faith leaders.
Pray for the leadership of governors who are Christ-followers and the examples they set for their citizens.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. – Luke 6:21
