President Bush spoke with federal, state and local officials at the Louisiana Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge during a visit there on Wednesday. The President was briefed on relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. At the request of Governor Bobby Jindal, President Bush Tuesday issued a Major Disaster Declaration for 34 of the state's parishes. Pray for the President, Governors Jindal and Barbour and all officials continuing to work to help the people of the Gulf Coast as they return home. Pray for the speedy restoration of utilities and services. Photo courtesy of the White House. | Pray for President Bush as he continues to monitor recovery progress with Hurricane Gustav while watching the development of additional storms in warm Atlantic Ocean waters, including Tropical Storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine. Pray for wisdom in all decisions made.
Pray for the members of Congress as they return to session. The Senate reconvenes September 5 and the House starts business September 8. Pray for God's wisdom and discernment for each one.
Give thanks for the many answered prayers of millions of intercessors regarding Hurricane Gustav, praising God for the success of the evacuation efforts, for the weakening of the storm as it made landfall, for the damage being minimal. Pray for those who did experience loss of loved ones, property or employment, asking God to strengthen and encourage them as they now recover and rebuild. Pray for the speedy restoration of all utilities and services, particularly electricity.
Give thanks for the many meaningful moments at the Republican National Convention, thanking God that there were no major incidents. Pray for safety for delegates, staffers sand media as tomorrow they leave the Twin Cities; pray for the candidates as they return to the campaign trail, asking God to continue to bring truth to light and to guide voters in their choices on November 4.
As the nation prepares to observe the seventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, give thanks for God’s continued protection and care over America. Pray for continued healing, comfort and strength for those who suffered great loss in the attacks; pray for those who work to keep our nation safe and pray for any plots or plans to bring harm to be uncovered before they can be carried out.
Pray for Vice President Cheney as he continues his trip to Georgia, Ukraine and Italy this week, meeting with President Saakashvili of Georgia, President Yushchenko of Ukraine, and President Napolitano and Prime Minister Berlusconi of Italy, as well as senior officials of their respective governments.
Pray for Senator John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin, for Senator Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden as they continue campaigning, seeking to reach the hearts and minds and ultimately, to win the votes of Americans. Pray for health, strength and safety; pray for wisdom as they manage their campaigns and make key decisions regarding their campaigns; pray for godliness and truth to be lifted in this election, and for the members of the media to act with integrity and honesty.
The Paralympic Games begin September 6 in Beijing, China, bringing together elite athletes from six different disability groups and seeking to emphasize participants' athletic achievements rather than their disabilities. Pray for safety for all participants, officials and observers as over 870,000 tickets have been sold. Pray also for President Bush’s official delegation which includes James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, leading the delegation, the Honorable Clark T. Randt, Jr., United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Mr. Kirk Bauer, Executive Director, Disabled Sports USA, Ms. Jean Driscoll, Paralympic Gold Medalist in track, Lt. Colonel Gregory Gadson, United States Army, Mr. Kevin Szott, Paralympic Gold Medalist in Judo and Ms. Trischa Zorn, Paralympic Gold Medalist in swimming.
Give thanks for the excellent service to the nation of Jay Hein, Director of the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives who now steps down to care for his aging father. Pray for Jedd Medefind who will now step up to serve the nation in this important way—pray for wisdom and grace for Medefind.
Give thanks for the members of the Secret Service and the dedication they exhibit while protecting the President, Vice President and many others, particularly, now, the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Pray for diligence and wisdom for each one, and for them to be successful in their demanding work.
Pray for civilians who serve in Iraq, putting their lives at great risk while rebuilding vital infrastructures so necessary to the future success of that nation asking God to guide and protect each one, to strengthen their families who make do without them and to bless their efforts as they help the nation of Iraq take responsibility for its management and governance.
Pray for the members of our military as they continue to serve the causes of freedom and justice around the world and at home, asking God to provide for the needs of each one—protection and safety, support and strength, help to do the right thing in every situation. Give thanks for the dedication and sacrifice of each one and their families.
Pray for grace and wisdom for staff and leaders of The Presidential Prayer Team as we approach the seventh anniversary of our founding, that we may continue to be faithful to the calling of God, that we will succeed in generating adequate support in the months to come, and that the nation will continue to desire to pray for leaders, regardless of their political orientation.
 Photo courtesy of Matt Jacob. |
The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
—The Bible, II Chronicles 15:2, 15 (NIV)
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
—The Bible, Psalm 138:3 (NIV)
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 First Lady Laura Bush spoke to the delegates at the Republican National Convention Monday night. Wednesday night, Governor Sarah Palin is scheduled to speak to the gathering. Pray for continued safety for delegates as they continue their gathering through Thursday. Photo courtesy of PPT member Justin Brokar, delegate from Kansas. |
Republicans picked up the pace on Tuesday, following a Hurricane Gustav-shortened session Monday which had only a brief speech from First Lady Laura Bush and an appearance from Mrs. Cindy McCain. Republicans were given kudos for their respectful treatment of the situation while pundits and members of the media continued to raise questions about the viability of Senator McCain’s pick for the vice presidential spot, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The news that Palin’s 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, is five months pregnant hit during the day Monday.
Response to the choice of Palin has been mixed, thought it generally has been well-received by most members of her party.
On Tuesday, Senator Joe Lieberman and former candidate Fred Thompson spoke to the convention, and President Bush gave a short talk via video, choosing to remain in Washington in order to monitor storm recovery efforts.
Governor Palin is expected to speak to the convention Wednesday night. Surely prayer is needed for the Governor and her family during this time of great exposure to the public eye. Learn more about Governor Sarah Palin HERE.
Be sure to tell a friend about 40 Days to Pray the Vote, or post a prayer on the Pray the Vote Prayer Wall. And be encouraged that you are participating in the most-prayed-for election ever! | |
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In the days following the September 11 terror attacks the nation was shocked and stunned. As members of Congress struggled to understand what had happened, their chaplain, Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, opened the Senate’s day on September 12, 2001 with this prayer:
Almighty God, source of strength and hope in the darkest hours of our nation’s history, we praise You for the consistency and constancy of Your presence with us to help us confront and battle the forces of evil manifested in infamous, illusive, cowardly acts of terrorism…We pray for the thousands of victims who lost their lives as a result of these violent acts against our nation. We intercede for their loved ones; comfort them and give them courage…Quiet our turbulent hearts. Remind us of how You have been with us in trouble and tragedies of the past and have given us victory over tyranny…You are our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
—Lloyd Ogilvie, Pastor and former Chaplain of the United States Senate
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days… In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.
—Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his first Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933
 Mosaic Fragment with Image of Saint Paul the Apostle courtesy of the Vatican. |
By Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos
St. Paul reminds us we should pray
for those in government.
For those God wills to lead our land,
for kings and presidents.
St. Paul reminds us to press on.
To look (with hope) ahead.
To not be anxious or complain,
but seek the Lord instead.
St. Paul reminds us we are called
to voice what we believe.
To stand up for the little guy
and widows left to grieve.
 America was brutally attacked on September 11, 2001—a mighty wake-up call for us as a nation. Now, a new spiritual wake-up call will be issued on 9-11-08. This spiritual alarm will be sounded by Believers across America in a simultaneous nationwide prayer gathering. Cry Out America calls for us to gather at every county courthouse from 12:00-1:00 pm to cry out for God’s mercy at the place of justice and focus prayer on awakening our country for Christ. PPT President/CEO John Lind will be participating in this event in New York City, near Ground Zero.
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Encourage your church to pray!
Provide your church with the most current prayer information for the President and our nation.
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See the PPT Church Bulletin insert HERE. |
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National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
During National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pay special tribute to the thousands of innocent victims who died on September 11, 2001. Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service members, police officers, and firefighters who heroically responded in the face of terror. Read more.
Throughout this, the most interesting election in recent history, PPT has led the nation in prayer for the candidates, campaigns and the media via our 40 Days to Pray the Vote initiative. But many of you have asked for this resource in printed form, and we’ve responded by creating the America the Beautiful Devotional Prayer Magazine. We’d love to send it to you when you give a gift to PPT today! Click HERE to learn more.
Download and print our free, inspirational September calendar featuring prayer points for each week of the month and meaningful words from Dr. Henry Blackaby.
September 18, 2008 will mark the seventh anniversary of The Presidential Prayer Team; this week marks the 361st consecutive edition of our weekly prayer updates. We invite you to rejoice with us as we thank God for His faithfulness to us and to our nation! Send your comments about how PPT has impacted you HERE.
The idea for a team that prays for the President and national leaders began following the contentious election of 2000. Read more.
Washington National Cathedral has been the site of many meaningful services. In the days following the 9-11 terror attacks, the nation watched as leaders, dignitaries and prominent clergy gathered to pray. Photo courtesy of Washington
National Cathedral. |
Washington National Cathedral has been the site of many meaningful services. In the days following the 9-11 terror attacks, the nation watched as leaders, dignitaries and prominent clergy gathered to pray.
Founded on faith, America draws deeply from her godly heritage when crisis strikes. On some occasions, that reliance on faith is carried out in the lofty spaces of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. On Friday, September 14, 2001, just days after the infamous terror attacks, our nation's leaders gathered, by presidential invitation, to remember and pray. Read more.
PPT members have responded enthusiastically to our 40 Days to Pray the Vote daily emails. If you have not participated in this effort, we urge you to sign up today! Unsure what to expect? You can view a sample page HERE.
 President Bush was briefed on developments in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. Pray for the President and all members of his team as they continue to assist local officials with cleanup, recovery, rebuilding and return to homes. Photo courtesy of the White House. |
America is a great country. It's great because we've got great people. Nobody is happy about these storms. Everybody is praying for everybody's safety. But I'm confident that after the storm passes and there's a human need, it will be met because of the generosity of the American people. And I want to thank you all for setting such a good example. Appreciate it. Thank you.
—George W. Bush, September 1, 2008
Chaplain Helps Military Couples Hone Marriage Skills
Courtesy of Covenant Newswire
Couples practice communication skills during “beach time” at Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii. Pray for the marriages of our brave military men and women, as research has shown that marriages of those who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are under great stress. Photo courtesy of Covenant Newswire. |
Joshua Stinson, a petty officer in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor, just returned from a four-month deployment in June and will leave again in January. “You never get used to it—this will be his eleventh deployment since we’ve been married.” said Army Reservist Pfc. Lydia Williams, who has been married to Stinson for nearly five years. Read more.
When He walked upon this earth, Jesus voluntarily agreed to live in dependence upon the Father as and example of how we are to live. So if Jesus Christ, with all His power and perfection, made prayer a priority in His life, then where ought prayer to fit in your life and in mine?
—Dr. David Jeremiah, President, Turning Point and Senior Pastor, Shadow Mountain Community Church
Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense. |
Our son, Jim, is scheduled to leave his Field Operating Base (FOB) in Iraq soon. His unit will be staying a little longer than the rest of his battalion, showing the new unit how to get around. He will be going from his FOB to Al Asad (a large base, formerly an Iraqi airport). Please continue to pray for him while at Al Asad. When they went there the first time, there was much evil abounding and he did not even want to speak about the things that occurred. From Al Asad his unit is expected back in the USA at the end of the month. Our family will not be able to greet him on Victory Field at 29 Palms USMC, CA. It is hard for my Mom's heart to not be there. Jim is scheduled to come home during December for the holidays -- for that we are thankful. :D Thanks for your continued prayers. A special request for some of Jim's officers -- some are dealing with some really hard issues. Several have found out their wives have left them while they were in Iraq. A couple of the men are taking out their frustrations by bullying the men. Pray for their hearts to be healed as only God can do. Thanks again for your prayers.
Joey is currently in Iraq again. Will return in time for the holidays and has orders to go to Afganistan in March. This will be his first tour to Afghanistan. I really want to thank you for your continued prayers, they mean more to me than I can express here and thank you for your prayers for us as well. Our faith keep us going during this difficult time when part of our heart is across the ocean/world fighting in a war and we hear the country daily talking about Political and Troop issues yet it is the Military troops and their families who are at war for our country and making all the sacrifices, not the USA.
We now know that Nathan will be deployed to Iraq in the first week of October. He has been in training this past week, but he is still uncertain as to his specific job when he gets there. We, his parents, will go out to see him off and to spend some time with Ivy and Bradlen to help them adjust. Please pray for all of us during this challenging time. Nathan and Ivy are sad about being separated for so long, but they are honored that Nathan can serve our country. Thanks again for your prayers. I will update you with more information when I have it.
Robert was badly injured in a military related injury in January and as a result, his back was broken. His unit is to deploy again in November, but due to his injury, he will more than likely receive a medical discharge.
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