1. Bush Hails Jamestown's Humble Beginnings - AP
"From our own history, we know the path to democracy is long and it's hard," Bush said in a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony. "There are many challenges, and there are setbacks along the way," Bush said. "Yet we can have confidence in the outcome because we've seen freedom's power to transform societies."
· Lord, You directed our Founding Fathers with Your wisdom to initiate laws that were just and lasting. We pray that today's' Justices and judges will not add to nor detract from Your original intention for this nation. Block all who would turn against You! Turn us back quickly into a mighty Christian nation that is a righteous light unto the nations! We ask You to please send forth the Christian laborers into our nation to spread Your Gospel! In Your Mighty Name, amen!
· " Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face." (Psalms 89:14)
2. Bush Pushes Bipartisan Immigration Talks - AP
President Bush has dispatched two members of his Cabinet, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, to Capitol Hill for almost daily closed-door meetings with a handful of Republicans and Democrats to cut an immigration deal. "'I am optimistic we can pass a comprehensive immigration bill and get this problem solved for the American people this year," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "Both Republicans and Democrats understand that successful immigration reform must be bipartisan," Bush said.
· Lord, we pray that no laws will go forward unless You have designed them. Just as You led the Founding Fathers, we pray that You will guide our leaders! Let it all be in Your timing and in Your way! · "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." (Luke 6:48)
3. Vice President Cheney Wraps Up Weeklong Tour Of Middle East - AP
Vice President Dick Cheney, wrapping up a weeklong tour of the Middle East Monday, said the United States doesn't have the luxury of focusing on one crisis at the expense of another. Asked in an interview with Fox News about the competing issues of Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Cheney said, "I think we have to address all of the problems and we don't have the luxury of ignoring any of them." Cheney visited Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in a bid to get moderate Arab states to do more to support the fragile government of Iraq and to promote reconciliation among rival factions.
· We praise You Lord for keeping our Vice President safe during these trips. We believe by faith that much good fruit will manifest from his efforts because of all the prayers that went before him. · "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence." (2 Samuel 22:2,3)
4. Key Taliban Leader Killed In Joint Operation In Afghanistan - New York Times
The man who probably was the Taliban's foremost operational commander, Mullah Dadullah, was killed in a joint operation by Afghan security forces, American forces and NATO troops in Helmand Province, Governor Asadullah Khaled of the neighboring Kandahar Province said Sunday. His death would cause a "significant blow to the Taliban's command and control," said Maj. Chris Belcher, an American military spokesman at Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, the capital."
· Lord, we pray that the Taliban leader's death will cause a "significant blow" to the Taliban's command and control and that his followers will be discouraged from continuing their mission. Let the Christian laborers be loosed to spread the gospel with ease and safety in the Middle East! Hallelujah! Amen! · "The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!'" (Deuteronomy 33:27)
5. U.S. And Iran To Hold Talks In Baghdad About Improving Iraq's Security - USA Today
The United States and Iran said Sunday that they will hold talks in Baghdad about improving Iraq's security - a major step for the two countries with the most influence over Iraq's future. White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe later said the meeting would take place in Baghdad during the next few weeks. "The purpose is to try to make sure that the Iranians play a productive role in Iraq," Johndroe said. "This is not about the United States and Iran. This is about Iraq," Johndroe said, emphasizing that Iran's nuclear issues are separate from discussions about Iraq.
· In these crucial meetings with Iran over Iraq's future security, we pray Lord, that You will not allow any deception to be used and brought to fruition. Through Your Holy Spirit, guide the people involved in these decisions. · "Because your rage against Me and your tumult Have come up to My ears, Therefore I will put My hook in your nose And My bridle in your lips, And I will turn you back By the way which you came." (2 Kings 19:28)
6. Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice Departs For Moscow - Agence France- Presse
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice faces one of her most delicate diplomatic missions yet when she flies into Moscow Monday to face down rising Russian anger over US policy in eastern Europe. Rice is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin, his top security advisers and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for what US officials said would be "extended" talks Monday and Tuesday on a host of simmering disputes. · We pray for Your mighty wisdom to be upon Secretary Rice as she goes into these discussions in Russia. We pray that Your favor will be upon her to melt down the strongholds and walls that have gone up in recent years. Let her negotiate everything only according to Your will! · "You have also delivered me from the strivings of my people; You have kept me as the head of the nations. A people I have not known shall serve me. The foreigners submit to me; As soon as they hear, they obey me." (2 Samuel 22:44)
