Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for America’s Military
The U.S. military reportedly killed 32 Cuban officers and roughly 40 Venezuelan soldiers in Operation Absolute Resolve, in which Nicolas Maduro was captured. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Cuban casualties during the American strikes were part of the security detail who guarded the dictator and his wife. Secretary Rubio stated, “He was not guarded by Venezuelan bodyguards. He had Cuban bodyguards.” No U.S. troops were killed, though seven assault force members were injured in the mission.
Pray for Secretaries Hegseth and Rubio as they collaborate on foreign policy and military missions. Pray for God’s protection over the U.S. military members deployed around the world.
Pray for America’s Foreign Relations
The United States recently facilitated security and economic talks between senior Israeli and Syrian officials in Paris. The three governments issued a joint statement noting the discussions were part of President Trump’s vision for peace in the Middle East. Separately, Israel recently recognized the sovereignty of Somaliland after the territory declared itself independent of Somalia.
France and the United Kingdom have agreed to send military forces to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached with Russia. U.S. envoys agreed to security guarantees, in the event of a ceasefire, by a broad coalition of Ukrainian allies at a summit in Paris. Envoy Steve Witkoff said, “Those security protocols are meant to… deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and… if there are any attacks, they’re meant to defend, and they will do both.”
Pray for President Trump and U.S. officials as they engage in peace negotiations and facilitate economic and security relations.
Pray for AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, who is serving as acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, signed off on new recommendations that reduce the number of vaccinations on the childhood immunization schedule. The recommendations are similar to best practices from peer, developed countries. “After reviewing the evidence, I signed a decision memorandum accepting the assessment’s recommendations,” Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill said. “The data support a more focused schedule that protects children from the most serious infectious diseases while improving clarity, adherence, and public confidence.”
Pray for Secretary Kennedy, Deputy Secretary O’Neill, NIH Director Bhattacharya, CMS Administrator Oz, and FDA Commissioner Makary to be discerning as they assess the best practices and scientific studies from peer nations.
Pray for Needs Across the States
The North Carolina legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto to pass a law that recognizes only two sexes in all administrative rules, regulations, and public policies to start the new year. It is the 18th state that defines and recognizes biological sex only.
States have been very active in passing laws and taking action regarding abortion. The Pennsylvania House passed an amendment last month that permits abortions up to birth and allows taxpayer dollars to fund them. The state Senate will now consider it. Florida and Texas sued the FDA last month for failing to adequately review the harms posed to women by the abortion drug, mifepristone. This week, the Wyoming Supreme Court reversed a statewide ban on abortion pills.
Pray for state officials as they debate and pass laws regarding biological sex and others that regulate abortion.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
“The start of a new year has a way of waking up old pressure. Even with the best intentions, it doesn’t take long for hope to quietly turn into effort—another season of trying to be more faithful, more consistent, more ‘together.‘ And somewhere underneath it all, the question lingers: Why does it always feel heavier than it should? …
In Hebrews 8, what struck me wasn’t a new challenge—but a deep relief. God didn’t come to upgrade the old way of relating to Him. He replaced it. Not with distance or demands, but with something better than striving ever could be.
This isn’t about setting the bar higher for the year ahead. It’s about discovering what’s already been done, and how that changes the way you wake up, pray, and walk forward—without the weight of needing to prove anything. …
The Cross replaced the altars.“ – Dr. Andrew Farley, The Grace Message, “When God Replaced Religion”
