Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for America’s Military
The U.S. Army has changed its requirements for body fat percentage. The service announced this month that exemptions would be made for soldiers who score a minimum of 80 points in each event of the Army Fitness Test, which includes pushups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, deadlifting, and a two-mile run. Those who do not meet the fitness requirement will be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program. The height and weight of all soldiers will continue to be recorded.
Pray for Army Secretary Driscoll and the secretaries and commanders of every service branch as they determine the fitness standards for U.S. Armed Service personnel.
PRAY FOR AN END TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Ukraine reported that the newest Russian attack drones are made with foreign parts and have jamming-resistant technology that protects them from electronic warfare. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesky requested that allies offer “protection of the European skies,” stating that Russia has sent over 3,500 drones, 190 missiles, and 2,500 aerial bombs against his nation so far this month. He also asked that President Trump get tough with Moscow. The U.S. committed $75 million to begin its investment in Ukrainian mineral reserves this week, as President Trump’s administration has shifted away from military aid toward commerce.
Pray for wisdom for President Trump and NATO leaders as they evaluate potential ways to influence President Putin toward an end to the war.
Pray for AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL
Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in the City of David archaeological park in Jerusalem earlier this week for the inauguration of the Pilgrimage Road. The fully excavated ancient pathway had been the primary thoroughfare for pilgrims to reach the Second Temple. Secretary Rubio said, “The Pilgrimage Road is an enduring cultural and historical bond between the United States and Israel. It’s a powerful reminder of the Judeo-Christian values that inspired America’s Founding Fathers.” Secretary Rubio also addressed the war with Hamas, saying, “The President’s been clear on the ongoing issues in Gaza, and that is that every single hostage, both living and deceased, needs to be home immediately.”
Pray for President Trump and Secretary Rubio as they seek the release of the hostages, both living and dead.
Pray for AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General has released a resource guide to combat youth vaping. The federal health agency reported that over 1.6 million middle and high school students reported e-cigarette use in 2024. Up to 85 percent of the vaping products and pods sold in the U.S. are illegal and not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Acting Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in the Office of the Surgeon General, Stephanie Haridopolos, said, “Youth vaping is not a harmless trend. It’s a serious threat to the health and development of our children.”
Pray for U.S. health officials as they seek to dissuade American youth from vaping and prevent the sale of illegal e-cigarettes and pods.
Pray for Needs Across the States
The Georgia Supreme Court declined to accept the appeal of District Attorney Fani Willis after the Georgia Court of Appeals removed her as prosecutor of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) brought against President Donald Trump and several of his supporters. The lower court cited an “appearance of impropriety” after she had hired a special prosecutor with whom she had a romantic relationship. While the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council is tasked with finding another prosecutor to head the case, it is anticipated that the case may simply be dropped.
A Michigan judge dismissed fake elector charges against 25 people in connection with the 2020 presidential election. The judge stated, “This is a fraud case, and we have to prove intent, and I don’t believe that there’s sufficient evidence to prove intent.” The judge also stated the belief that the defendants were exercising their constitutional right to seek a redress of grievances over the election. Last year, similar charges were dismissed by a Nevada judge, while one Arizona woman pleaded guilty to election fraud, and 10 people in Wisconsin reached a settlement in which they affirmed the 2020 election outcome.
Pray for wisdom for state judges and justices as they decide cases regarding voter regulations and election laws.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
“The world isn’t perfect and neither are our leaders, but have you ever asked yourself how much worse things might be if we stopped praying for them? God’s ways are often hidden from us, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t at work, even if we don’t see it.
Why should we pray for those who are in places of authority? One reason is because the Bible commands it. The Bible says, ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives’ (1 Timothy 2:1-2). …
We also should pray for our leaders because of the burdens they bear — burdens far heavier than most of us can ever imagine. They need God’s wisdom (whether they realize it or not), for without it, evil could have its way and our world would face even more serious problems. The Bible says, ‘To fear the Lord is to hate evil’ (Proverbs 8:13).
Never forget, however, that our ultimate hope is not in this world or its political systems, but in Jesus Christ. One day, He will come again to destroy all evil and establish His kingdom of perfect righteousness and peace.” – Billy Graham Evangelical Association, “Does Praying For Our Nation Do Any Good?”
