Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for America’s Military
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Defense Department is convening a Special Review Panel to investigate the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The chaotic evacuation of civilians and U.S. military personnel resulted in the deaths of 13 American soldiers and 170 civilians at the Kabul International Airport’s Abbey Gate.
Pray for Secretary Hegseth and U.S. generals and commanders as they seek to ensure the U.S. Armed Forces function at optimal levels. Pray for military personnel who experience gender dysphoria and are about to be separated from service.
PRAY FOR AN END TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE
President Donald Trump expressed support for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to be held at the Vatican as neutral ground, stating, “I think it would be great to have it at the Vatican. … I think maybe that could help some of that anger.” Pope Leo said, “The Holy See is available so that enemies can meet and look each other in the eye.”
Pray for President Trump, Pope Leo, and other world leaders as they encourage an end to the war in Ukraine.
Pray for AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL
U.S. intelligence reported that the chance of an Israeli strike on a nuclear facility in Iran has “gone up significantly.“ Officials acknowledged the possibility that Israel simply seeks to send a message to Tehran. Analysts believe the Israeli Defense Force would need U.S. military support in order to carry out such an attack. The IDF military operation to eliminate Hamas in Gaza has continued.
Pray for wisdom for U.S. and Israeli officials as they assess the nuclear situation with Iran and deliberate options.
Pray for AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced that Operation Stork Speed will review the nutrients in infant formula required by law. This is the first comprehensive review to be held since 1998. HHS Secretary Kennedy said they are putting “science front and center.“ He stated, “Every child has a fundamental right to a healthy start. We’re giving parents the truth and the tools to make that happen. You can’t Make America Healthy Again if we don’t fix what nourishes our youngest and most vulnerable Americans.”
Pray for Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary as they conduct the comprehensive nutritional review of baby formula.
Pray for Needs Across the States
The U.S. Supreme Court restored state Representative Laurel Libby’s right to vote in Maine’s House of Representatives after she was censured for standing up for girls who were forced to compete against boys in sports. The Maine legislature had refused to let her vote or speak as a member for three months, unless she apologized, leaving her constituents without representation. This ruling allows her to vote, but not to speak in the legislature while her lawsuit continues through the legal process.
Law enforcement in the state of Arizona has been authorized by a bipartisan state bill to shoot down drones used to ferry drugs across the border. The Arizona attorney general said, “These drones are dropping fentanyl and other deadly substances miles inside of our state, right into our communities. For too long, law enforcement’s hands were tied. Now, thanks to this law, they have the legal authority to take action.“
Pray for state legislators as they seek to address Title IX and immigration concerns.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
“I think we need to sign a mental declaration of independence. Let’s put our names on the line, pledging ourselves with firm resolve, much like those brave men did on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
Did you know that of the fifty-six courageous men who signed that original document in Philadelphia, many did not survive the war that followed? Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Nine others died in the Revolutionary War, either from its hardships or its bullets. Twelve had their homes sacked, looted, burned, or occupied by the enemy. Two lost their sons in battle. One had two sons captured. Yes, the price of freedom was high indeed for those men. But deciding to be free, to think and live independently, to soar above the masses is always a costly decision. …
Denying oneself is not to be equated with losing one’s uniqueness or becoming of no value. There have been great people in each generation who modeled self-denial as they made significant contributions to humankind.
Chief among those models in history is Jesus Christ Himself. He is our champion of self-denial, the One to whom we look for guidance and strength in such a great task. And He is the King who has already determined what it will take to encounter and triumph over life’s enemies.” – Pastor Chuck Swindoll, Insight for Living, May 2025
