(Jer. 31:18)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Fed cuts key rates three-quarters of a point - MSNBC
..
Scale of central bank's move shows the size of economic risk
The Federal Reserve was primed to aggressively cut a key interest rate even lower on Tuesday, racing to contain spreading financial fires that threaten an economic meltdown. President Bush declared "we're in challenging times" and huddled Monday with top economic officials - including Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox. With the quick collapse of the investment bank Bear Stearns, fears are mounting about whether other financial companies may fall.
· Pray for the disclosure of knowledge and truth in this financial crisis. According to one knowledgeable source, this attempt to harmonize markets throughout the world is a final step in the one world government and brings the USA stock markets in line with the rest of the world. It will bring an end to our financial freedom. Pray fervently.
· "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John :2)
2. US Supreme Court reviews "right to bear arms" - Financial Times
The US Supreme Court will this week step into a politically explosive case over gun rights that could influence some voters in the forth-coming general election. For the first time in 70 years, the justices will hear a case tomorrow testing whether individuals have the right under the U.S. Constitution to own firearms. The case could produce a historic ruling that would mobilise activists on both sides of the gun rights debate, and could influence the outcome of the November election. [Note: this case was heard today in the Court.]
· Between now and June 2008, when the Supreme Court makes its decision about the individuality of the 2nd Amendment, pray that the Lord's wisdom rests heavily on the Justices. They must not yield to political pressure but yield to the wisdom of our Constitution. To limit freedom would set a precedent that can be used for evil.
· "Through wisdom is a house builded: and by understanding it is established."
(Proverbs 24:3)
3. Obama Seeks to Stop Wright Coverage "Loop" - Fox News
As Barack Obama wrapped up his ambitious speech on race, politics and the historical origin of his longtime pastor's heated sermons Tuesday, advisers questioned whether he had achieved a simple and practical objective: halting the "loop" -- the barrage of anti-American invective from Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. that has saturated national television for the past week.
Obama has vigorously disavowed Wright's inflammatory remarks, but in Tuesday's speech refused to disavow the pastor himself or the 20-year relationship he's had with him. Some political observers say the Illinois senator still has some more mending to do.
· We encourage our Prayer Partners to continue responding to our Call to Repentance, issued on Sunday evenings. At this time, we are in repentance for matters related to racial issues in the church and in the nation. Continue to lay axe to the root of all bitterness, anger, unforgiveness and revenge on the part of anyone who utters such hate-filled speech. Thank our Lord that, by His stripes, we ARE healed! Bind the spirits of confusion, helplessness, and "victimization" that infuse the minds of those who are held captive to racist lies, and thank the LORD that He can and WILL set them free.
· "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
4. Florida Democrats Abandon Mail-In Vote Plan - ABC News
Facing strong opposition, Florida Democrats abandoned plans to hold a do-over presidential primary with a mail-in vote and threw the delegate dispute into the lap of the national party.
· Begin praying over the voting process in Florida, which seems to be a magnet for controversy in presidential elections. Pray that those who caused this most recent problem are held accountable for their decisions. The Lord has the correct answer, just as in Michigan.
· "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15,16)
5. Clinton seeks to end war "we cannot win"- Washington Times
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday called for a U.S. troop pullout from a war that "we cannot win," as Sen. John McCain and Vice President Dick Cheney spent the day in Baghdad, touting security improvements and pledging to maintain a long-term military presence in Iraq.
· Pray that Americans will see though the political expediency of both parties in relation to Iraq and that rather American Christians see Iraq as fertile ground for the spreading the gospel in the Middle East. Continue to pray for the success of the "surge," so that Iraqis can see how Americans really work - with a great spirit of humanitarianism - a gift of generosity that comes from our faith in God.
· "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)
6. Incentives package prepared for Iran - Washington Times
The United States and four other veto-wielding states on the U.N. Security Council are preparing a package of incentives aimed at Iran's newly elected parliament in hopes of ending the country's uranium-enrichment program -- the main impediment to improved ties between Iran and the West.
· Pray that these incentive packages will show wisdom and carry the correct bait that will cause Iran to give up its uranium enrichment program. Ahmadinejad's regime is on somewhat shaky ground ( his having to control Iran's elections). Pray for a spiritual earthquake in that country that will topple this bullying despot. Again, many Iranians are tired of the lack of freedom in their country.
· "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)
7. Bush sends Putin missile defense offer - Int'l Herald Tribune
President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday endorsed portions of a private proposal from President George W. Bush that could lead to a new strategic framework between their nations, including progress on troubling issues like missile defense, nuclear arms control and nonproliferation.
· Pray for the Lord's wisdom for President Bush as he speaks with Putin about military weapons and the defense of the both the USA and Russia. Pray that Bush makes no private agreements that jeopardize the safety of the USA. Some reasoning that seems good at the moment can become treacherous over time. As in a game of cards, America always needs the strong hand because we truly believe in liberty.
· "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
(Proverbs 16:3)
8. Vatican: Secret talks for churches in Saudi Arabia, says report - La Stampa (Italy)
Vatican City - Secret negotiations are taking place between the Vatican and Saudi Arabia to allow Christian churches in the strictly Muslim country, reports the Italian daily, La Stampa. The Vatican is negotiating with Saudi Arabia for "authorisation to build Catholic churches," says archbishop Mounged El-Hachem, papal nuncio of Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Bahrein and the United Arab Emirates.
· Only God knows what is happening behind these closed doors. Pray that if any breakthrough does occur, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would not be hindered, but rather released to be heard by all. Pray for the salvation of the multitudes in the Arab Peninsula who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ for themselves. Amen!
· ". . . greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4)
The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai."
(Esther 7:10)
1. Dollar continues to plunge vs. shekel - Jerusalem Post
The dollar continued to plummet in early morning trading on Tuesday, and towards the end of the morning was valued at around NIS 3.38.
2. Terror warnings ahead of Purim - Ynet News
The security establishment is expected to impose a full closure on the West Bank and Gaza on Tuesday ahead of the Purim festivities, this after the Shin Bet security service received seven warnings regarding possible attempts by terror organizations to carry out attacks over the holiday.
3. Livni: Hesitation on Iran, Hamas would be seen as defeat - Jerusalem Post
The world must act decisively against Iran and Hamas, and any hesitation to do so would only be viewed by the extremists as a victory, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.
4. Israel to hold massive drill; Syria - War is possible - Jerusalem Post
Israel is to hold its largest-ever emergency exercise in April - shutting down parts of the country as it tests its responses to massive, possibly non-conventional, attacks from Syria and Iran. This is according to the top story Monday in The Jerusalem Post, and comes the day after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem was quoted as saying a war between Syria and Israel is certainly a possibility.
5. For 'Palestinians,' more terrorism=greater popularity - Jerusalem Newswire
The Palestinian Arabs increasingly support the "extremist" position of Hamas over the "moderate" position of the Fatah/PLO. International efforts to boycott Hamas, and Israel's attacks on the Gaza-Strip where the group is in control have only boosted Hamas' popularity.
6. Bush: I'll come celebrate Israel's 60th birthday if... - Israel Today Prayers for the Persecuted Church 1. Laos Security Forces Raid Villages; 58 Christians Missing - Worthy News At least 15 Christian families in Laos remained unaccounted for Sunday, March 16, after security forces raided their villages and Hmomg church leaders were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, human rights investigators said. 2. Ethiopia: Attack on Church Leaves 4 Dead, 70 Injured - Worthy News 3. India: Hindu Extremists Forcibly 'Re-Convert' Christians - Worthy News 4. Ethiopia: Muslims Kill Worshipper in Church Attacks - Worthy News
US President George W. Bush would very much like to be in Israel to commemorate the reborn Jewish state's 60th Anniversary this May. There's just one small proviso: Israel must make some serious progress in implementing its commitments to the Palestinian Arabs under the 'Road Map' before the American leader will agree to come.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, "Fear not.."
(Lamentations 3:57) 
Last week, Christians gathering at local churches in a southern region in Ethiopia were enjoying singing and worship when, without warning, hundreds of men armed with machetes and clubs leapt through the open windows and indiscriminately began attacking everyone present. The attackers barricaded the doors to try to prevent people from escaping.
Hindu extremists recently carried out a well-planned scheme to lure to a temple and forcibly convert scores of Christians from villages around this capital city of Himachal Pradesh state.
Eight Muslims wielding razor-sharp machetes and knives broke into two village churches in southern Ethiopia earlier this month and began wounding worshipers, instantly killing one Christian.
Links to Other Resources
Links to Other Resources
Recommended links are now posted on our CHPP Blog. Click here to visit our blog for more information.
We particularly wish to cite Intercessors for America as the source to find all other ongoing prayer initiatives at this time.
For news at the state level (including court decisions re: gay rights), please see the links for the Family Research Council and for Citizen Link (Focus on the Family.) Thank you!! The Daily Brief is published by Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP). CHPP is a ministry dedicated to praying for our leaders, and for issues involving our national security. We are a 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt nonprofit ministry, relying solely upon the gifts of our friends to maintain this work. Permission is granted to distribute this bulletin at will. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU NOT POST ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS ON ANY WEBSITE WITHOUT PERMISSION. Please cite Capitol Hill Prayer Partners as the source for this information. Thank you for praying with us for our leaders and our nation. Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a 501(c)(3), tax- exempt, faith-based, ministry, dedicated to praying for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1,2). CHPP relies solely on the gifts of our readers to continue this work; thus we greatly appreciate your help in supporting this publication. Offerings may be sent to: Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, P.O. Box 5152, Herndon, VA 20172- 1970. Please make checks payable to: CHPP. THANK YOU!
Who We Are
