Peter Pastre, USPS Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy
The United States Postal Service Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy said price increases for mail will move forward despite legislators’ concerns.
We Pray For America!
July 8, 2021
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is my pleasure to share that our mid-year’s financial need was met through our summer matching challenge! Thank you for standing with us. I am continually amazed at God’s faithful provision through His people. Your support conveys, once again, the importance placed upon our calling to organized and informed daily prayers for our nation. Because of you, we can stand prepared as we support whatever God’s plan is for our Country. We must be ready as we watch, listen, and pray–the battle for the soul of our nation is right before us. Thank you again.
Always together in prayer,
Jim Bolthouse
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Issue 501 – Verse of the Week
July 29th – August 4th, 2021
VERSE OF THE WEEK
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. – Psalm138:2
Solid Ground
It may not be often, but sometimes in life days come when you feel knee-deep in quicksand. The way to handle this sensation is to recall some of God’s promises and pray, and He returns your feet to solid ground. The Bible is filled with the promises of God. David recalled two of them in today’s verse: His promise to steadfastly love you, and His promise to faithfully guide and protect you. Some say there are 150 promises — others as many as 365, one for each day of the year! The Lord has also promised to strengthen you (Philippians 4:13), to never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6), to give you a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), to hear when you call (John 14:13-14), and to give you peace (John 14:27). Embracing His promises will grow your faith. Find a promise from His Word today and plant your feet firmly upon it.
- Issue 501 – Federal Branches
Praying for Our Leaders in Government
Executive Branch: Pray for the President and his Administration
President Biden’s administration is planning to speed up deportations for some migrant families who cross the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the Department of Homeland Security. In a statement, DHS said, “Attempting to cross into the United States between ports of entry, or circumventing inspection at ports of entry, is the wrong way to come to the United States.”
Even though the CHIPS for America Act has not yet been passed by Congress, the president’s administration is taking steps to spend up to $52 billion in improving semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the administration is investing in preparations. “We need to incentivize the manufacturing of chips in America, so we are very focused on putting the pieces in place so that can happen,” she said.
Pray for cabinet secretaries and agency heads in the administration as they work within the confines of U.S. law and Congressional mandates.
Legislative Branch: Pray for Senators and Representatives in Congress
Both houses of Congress have filed legislation that would halt funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The president’s administration resumed the funding of $150 million this year despite the agency’s refusal to cut ties with terrorist groups. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho stated, “When UNRWA was created, its specific purpose was to provide relief for refugees of the 1948 Arab-Israeli Conflict.“ He said that the agency is now affiliated with Hamas and should not be funded by taxpayer dollars.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department on Dr. Anthony Fauci for what the senator said are the NIAID director’s lies while being questioned by Congress. The doctor and senator had a tense exchange at a Senate hearing during which each claimed the other was not being truthful.
Pray for members of Congress to overcome the tensions and divisions that exist.
Judicial Branch: Pray for Supreme Court Justices and Federal Judges
A federal judge blocked a West Virginia law that banned transgender girls from participating in female sports teams. “At this point, I have been provided with scant evidence that this law addresses any problem at all, let alone an important problem,” wrote District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. He added, “forcing a girl to compete on the boys’ team when there is a girls’ team available would cause her unnecessary distress and stigma,” and that it would cause confusion for coaches and teammates.
Chief Judge Beverly Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Department of Justice cannot share grand jury materials from investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot with a contractor who was hired to organize the information into a database. She said the DOJ was incorrect in arguing that employees of the firm contracted to work in the project could be considered “government personnel” which would grant them access to the grand jury evidence. “Disclosure to [the firm[ is therefore prohibited, and the government’s motion to authorize disclosure… is denied.”
Pray for the nation’s judges who must issue rulings in highly politicized cases.
Featured Leaders For Prayer
Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator from Oregon
The nomination of the Tucson, Arizona, police chief is being stalled in the Senate as Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, among others, seek answers to Customs and Border Patrol actions in Oregon last year.
Judge Andrew Hanen, Southern Texas U.S. District Court
A federal district judge in Texas has found DACA unlawful and has blocked any new applicants.
Vice Admiral Andrew Lewis, Commander Joint Forces NATO Norfolk/Commander, Second Fleet
NATO and U.S. military leaders gathered at Joint Force Command Norfolk in Virginia to celebrate full readiness of the first operational NATO headquarters in North America.
As we lift up the 117th United States Congress, we will highlight one elected senator or representative each day. Pray with us for each of them as they tackle their unique responsibilities and fulfill their oaths of office.
TODAY’S CONGRESSIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
- Brendan Boyle, Representative for Pennsylvania
Brendan Boyle, Representative for Pennsylvania
- Born – February 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Education – B.A., University of Notre Dame; M.P.P., Harvard University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Consultant with U.S. Dept. of Defense
- Political Experience – Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- In office since – 2015
- Family – Married to Jennifer, 1 daughter
- Religious Affiliation – Catholic
Prayer Team Member Essentials
Tools to help you help your daily prayer life and reminders to lift up America and our leaders in prayer.
Fall Edition Prayer Journal
Be prepared to finish 2021 strong in prayer.
Contains OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, and DECEMBER 2021.
QUICK NAVIGATION
AMERICA’S HISTORY OF FAITH AND PRAYER
- Issue 501 – Faith and Prayer History
I am sustained by the prayers of the people in this country. I guess an appropriate way to say this, it’s one of the beautiful things about America and Americans from all walks of life is that they’re willing to pray for the President and his family. And that’s powerful. It’s hard for me to describe to you what that means. It’s let me just say this: It’s a leap of faith to understand.
– President George W. Bush, December 2001.
- Issue 501 – National Prayer Needs
Additional National Prayer Needs
Pray for our Military
The U.S. military conducted a drone strike against al Shabab fighters in Somalia. The strike was the first against the militants since President Biden’s administration put strict limits on military action in the East Africa nation pending a review of drone policy. Al Shabab is affiliated with al Qaeda.
The U.S. military launched several airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces fighting Taliban insurgents, including in the strategically important province of Kandahar. The strikes demonstrate U.S. intentions to continue supporting Afghan forces with combat aircraft based outside the country, at least until the scheduled conclusion of withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.
Pray for U.S. military officials and the warfighting limitations placed upon them by the administration.
Pray for AMERICA’S FREEDOMS
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and 24 other members of the Senate, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, filed an amicus brief in a Second Amendment case the Supreme Court is set to hear this fall. The brief argues that New York gun law violates the right to bear arms under the Constitution. New York law prohibits carrying a firearm outside the home without a license and then makes it extremely difficult to get a license, by requiring people to show cause why they should get a license.
Pray for U.S. officials seeking to protect America’s freedoms as set forth in the Bill of Rights and Constitution.
Pray for AMERICA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS
The State Department has reopened an inquiry into an Israeli government report that Qatar’s monarchy funded Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
The U.S. announced a special envoy to help coordinate American assistance in Haiti, including efforts promoting long-term peace and elections after the assassination of Haiti’s president earlier this month.
Pray for diplomats and administrators in the State Department and other agencies concerning situations in Iran, Haiti, and Cuba.
Pray For AMERICA’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Health officials report the Delta variant is the most transmissible version of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, though deaths have not markedly increased. The CDC has recommended masks be used indoors for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated in areas experiencing an increase in cases.
A top Chinese health official said the government does not accept World Health Organization plans for a follow-up investigation into the origins of COVID-19, calling a theory that it started from a laboratory leak a “rumor.” Their comments came days after the WHO director-general said it was “too early” to rule out the lab leak theory and proposed a second phase of study into the virus’ origins.
Pray for health officials as the search for the origins of the COVID-19 virus continues and for wisdom for mitigation efforts against the variants.
Pray for AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL
The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a Hamas military base in response to incendiary balloon attacks from the Gaza Strip. Israel stated the Hamas target was near civilian sites in Gaza, including a school. The fire balloons sparked at least three fires, but no injuries were reported. Also in response to the attacks, Israel said it would restrict Gaza’s fishing zone from 12 nautical miles to 6. It is common for Israel to reduce Gaza’s fishing zone. Hamas has warned of more attacks and violence if Israel tightens restrictions on the Gaza Strip.
Israel launched its first direct commercial flights to Morocco, less than a year after the two nations normalized relations. Both Israir and El Al carried tourists between the two countries in “historic” flights on Sunday. Morocco is one of four countries to normalize ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
Pray for Prime Minister Bennett as he will be making a trip to the U.S. soon to meet with President Biden.
Pray for AMERICA’S ECONOMY
Business activity grew at a moderate pace for a second straight month in July amid supply constraints, reflecting a slowing in economic activity after what was expected to have been a robust second quarter.
Continued strong demand has raised the median home price in America to a record high in June to $363,300. This is an increase of 23.4 percent over a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors. Existing home sales increased 1.4 percent in June over the prior month, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.86 million.
Pray for financial officials as they assess supports for the slowing American economy and preventions to inflation.
Pray for Justice in America
Farmers in Texas are requesting restitution from the White House for overseeing one of the largest surges in illegal immigration in the U.S. in nearly two decades. They say damage is being caused to ranches and farms by migrants and the damages are costly. Landowners are experiencing “cut fences, destroyed crops, compromised water sources, vandalism, litter on their property, and more.” The group stated, “Coyotes abandon people, steal vehicles, vandalize property and threaten the safety and livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. They are often criminals who smuggle drugs and firearms into the country, frequently leaving them on farmers’ and ranchers’ property, causing unrest for farm and ranch families.”
Pray for federal officials as they consider the responsibility of the president’s administration to the farmers and ranchers because of the “open door” immigration policy.
Pray for Goodness in America
A group of high school students in Potomac, Maryland, designed and built a custom device that would attach to a teacher’s wheelchair to provide the disabled teacher with a means to attach a baby stroller so that he could take his newborn for a walk. The students created different designs, used 3D modeling software, tested out prototypes, and ultimately had them “family-tested.” The school’s coordinator said he encouraged the students to focus on “empathy-driven” projects.
Give thanks for teachers and students who are working with empathy to care for and do good to their neighbors.
Pray for America’s Media
The Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Justice released findings of an investigation that found that during the months of the Russia collusion investigation and even before the November 2016 presidential election, the media had a number of unauthorized contacts with a senior FBI official to whom they also gave gifts such as tickets for two black-tie dinner events, drinks, and lunches, all in violation of FBI policy and media ethics. Their report does not name the FBI senior official.
A growing number of prominent journalists have declared once-bedrock press principles like fairness and objectivity to be outdated and unnecessary since the shift in American politics of the past five years. While some observers appreciate the honesty, others feel the blending of opinion and reporting is creating a “dangerous time” in America.
Pray for journalists and commentators to clarify the difference between facts and their opinions for audiences.
Pray for America’s Education
A student in Minnesota is speaking out after the school required grade-school children to take an “equity” survey. Some students did not understand some of the survey questions even after hearing an explanation from their teacher. One forth-grader told a school board meeting, “My teacher said that I could not skip any questions even when I didn’t understand them. One question asked was what gender we identify with. I was very confused along with a lot of other classmates.” She said that the teacher told students they were not allowed to “repeat any of the questions to our parents.”
As schools begin in-person learning, more parents have decided to homeschool their children. According to an Associated Press report, parents found homeschooling during the pandemic to be beneficial to their children. The report cited instances where parents touted the effect of teaching their own youngsters who have special needs and others looking for faith-based curricula. Additionally, some parents said they believe their children’s school systems are flawed.
Pray for parents, teachers, and school administrators as classroom topics are developed and delivered as children prepare to go back to school.
Pray for America’s Technology
Facebook, Microsoft, and others have formed a counterterrorist organization, significantly expanding the types of extremist content shared between firms in a key database, aiming to restrict material from “white supremacists and far-right militias,” the group said.
Pray for those in government who seek to protect First Amendment rights as technology companies increasingly limit freedom of speech.
Pray for Needs Across the States
The Secretary of State and Attorney General of Arizona are at odds over efforts to investigate and potentially prosecute voter fraud throughout the state, prolonging a months-long battle launched amid widespread reports of irregularities during the 2020 election that has resulted in a yet-unfinished audit of one county’s election results.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed a bill that requires state middle school students to take a half-year civics course. Legislators say the bipartisan bill is intended to prepare students to become engaged voters and citizens. State Senator Tom Kean, Jr., said, “Civics is who we are as a society. It’s who our legacy is, who our future is.”
Pray for state officials who oversee elections, and for students to be taught the value of their vote and the privilege and duty of voting.
Pray for America’s Faith Community
”One thing we can’t do in prayer is have a spirit of anger or resentment or unforgiveness toward another person because the whole philosophy of prayer, the whole approach to the throne of grace, is that I’m only there, sinful as I am, I’m only there and can pray in Jesus’ name because God has been so merciful to me and to you.” – Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle
QUICK NAVIGATION
RECENT PRAYER UPDATES
