Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for America’s Military
The Pentagon’s counter-drone task force will hold a live-fire directed energy weapon shoot-off in December. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, commander of the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, said that “systems that perform effectively or successfully” could result in an immediate “purchase order that allows us to start building the production lines to get these systems into the field.” The directed energy weapons, including lasers and high-powered microwaves, are intended as part of the defense against unmanned craft that have approached foreign and domestic U.S. military installations.
Pray for Pentagon officials and task force members as they seek directed energy weapons to protect U.S. military facilities from drone incursions.
Pray for America’s Foreign Relations
New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that North Sea oil would be “opening up, all the way.” President Trump responded optimistically, though the prime minister’s party has expressed hesitation over the change in energy policy. Prime Minister Burnham has also expressed full support for Ukraine, pledging that the U.K. will help them make long-range missiles. The prime minister is planning a trip to the United States to meet with President Trump in September.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz recently warned of military escalation if launches of kites, drones, or balloons from Gaza toward Israel do not cease immediately. The prime minister said, “There will be no return to the state of affairs prior to October 7. Israel will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization or any other element in the Gaza Strip to threaten our communities again and compromise our citizens’ sense of security.”
Pray for the U.S. president and allied leaders as they discuss shared concerns and partner to address international issues, such as terrorism and energy production.
Pray for AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the first standalone robotic device that can draw a patient’s blood without a hands-on operator. The Aletta has been authorized for outpatient settings overseen by a trained phlebotomy supervisor. Director Michelle Tarver of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health said, “Blood draws are one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States, yet patients may face delays due to a growing shortage of trained phlebotomists.”
Pray for Acting Commissioner Diamantas and FDA officials as they seek innovative solutions for the shortage of phlebotomists and other health care professionals.
Pray for Needs Across the States
Despite a previous ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court that determined clergy cannot be forced to reveal what they are told during confession, an Arizona legislator prefiled a bill that would require Catholic priests to report abuse or threats of abuse heard in the confessional. The penalty for refusing to violate the seal of the confessional would be fines or felony charges. Another state legislator, who is Catholic, has blocked the measure’s progress in the state House. Similar legislation in Washington state, which would fine or jail priests for refusing to report to police crimes that penitents confess, has been put on hold after legal challenges.
A Missouri judge recently ruled that the state may use its redistricted map in the November 3 elections, rejecting an effort to put redistricting to a voter referendum. The county circuit judge wrote, “The Missouri Constitution does not supply any statement – let alone a clear one – reallocating authority over congressional redistricting away from the General Assembly to a referendum process.” The plaintiffs have appealed to the state’s supreme court.
Pray for state legislators to draft laws that uphold the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Pray for state judges as they interpret state laws and issue opinions.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
“The goal of apostles and prophets and evangelists, and pastors and teachers is to equip God’s people for the work of service [Ephesians 4:11-16]. So that literally we become the body of Christ. Jesus, when he was on the earth, would walk around and if someone needed a cup of cold water, with his hands, he would give him a cup of cold water. Or if they needed food, he would break some bread and pray over it and give them food. But today, Jesus’ body is us. But what you got to understand is the role of leaders is to equip. … Leaders’ job is to help equip you personally, spiritually, relationally, so you can be an effective minister in your home and at your school and your work, in your neighborhood. …
When you came to Christ, God gave gifted leaders to equip you. You’re ‘deputized.’ You can counsel, you can lead people to Christ. You can share your faith. You can open your home. You have a unique DNA in terms of relationships, spiritual gifts, backgrounds, opportunities, and often your deepest hurts. Often the things that you have been through that you feel like, ‘Oh,’ will be the very things that will help the people in this valley understand who Christ is.” – Chip Ingram, Living on the Edge, “How to Become the Person You’ve Always Longed to Be, Part 2”
