In This Issue · The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· 10 Ways to Pray for Barack Obama
· Republicans: Leading by Example
· Pro-Life Initiatives Lose on Tuesday
· Because You Prayed . . .
· Israel Warns Obama About Iran
· Ahmadinejad: "a Weak State of Health"
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, November 7, 2008
Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. (Hosea 6:1,2)
The Daily Brief
1. Several Gay Marriage Ban Protesters Arrested in Clashes With Police in California - Fox News
Seven people were arrested Thursday during ongoing protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco against California's passage of a ban on gay marriage.
- We praise you for the victories for marriage in this election, and we pray for the judges who will be tempted again to overturn the will of the people. Lord, please bring peace and enlightenment to the people who are using violence to pursue their agenda.
- Didn't the one God make us with a remnant of His life-breath? And what does the One seek? A godly offspring. So watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously against the wife of your youth. (Malachi 2:15)
2. Stocks tumble, lose 10 percent in 2-day rout - AP
Wall Street plunged for a second day, triggered by computer gear maker Cisco Systems warning of slumping demand and retailers reporting weak sales for October. Concerns about widespread economic weakness sent the major stock indexes down more than 4 percent Thursday, including the Dow Jones industrial average, which tumbled more than 440 points.
- We pray for calm to prevail and for any improprieties in the stock market to be brought to light.
- The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him. (Exodus 15:2)
3. Moderates to blame for GOP losses, conservative leader says - CNN
A conservative leader Friday laid the Republican Party's poor showing at the polls at the feet of moderates who, he argues, led the party away from its core principles. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council told CNN that conservatives need to take back control of the GOP if the party is to return to its winning ways.
- Lord, may both political parties be awakened to the issues that will honor You and will bring glory to You. Let the church depend on You and then vote according to Your values.
- But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them. (Numbers 20:12)
4. A. U.S. Treasury Teaches 'Islamic Finance 101' - World Net Daily
The Treasury Department has announced it will teach "Islamic finance" to U.S. banking regulatory agencies, Congress and other parts of the executive branch today in Washington, D.C. -- but critics say it is opening a door to American funding of Islamic extremism.
B. US Clamps Down On Iran With New Sanctions - Jerusalem Post
The Bush administration moved Thursday to clamp down on Teheran by barring financial institutions from routing certain money transfers through the United States on behalf of Iranian banks, Iran's government and others in the country.
- As the terrorists try to use money to manipulate world events, Lord, open the eyes of the officials who are charged with finding irregularities. We claim all money as Yours and pray against it being used for evil.
- Who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent-the one who does these things will never be moved. (Psalm 15:5)
5. A. Democrats Craft Economic Plan - Washington Post
As the euphoria of the election gave way yesterday to more sobering evidence of decline in the global economy, Democrats moved swiftly to convert their mandate into an economic action plan that could include up to $100 billion in immediate stimulus spending and new tax cuts for the middle class early next year.
B. Global Push to Beat Economic Downturn - Wall Street Journal
European central banks cut their key interest rates sharply, and Democrats readied a plan to inject $60 billion to $100 billion into the sagging U.S. economy, as leading industrialized nations tried anew to stave off a global downturn now predicted to be the worst since the end of World War II.
· We pray for wisdom for those in Washington and across the globe who are forming economic policy.
· When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised you, you will lend to many nations but not borrow; you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. (Deuteronomy 15:6)
6. A. Russia Constitution Amended to Extend Presidential Term to 6 Years - Fox News
Russia's constitution will be amended by year's end to extend the presidential term to six years, lawmakers have promised - a move that could pave the way for Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin.
B. Vladimir Putin Could Reclaim Russian Presidency Within Months - London Telegraph
Dropping the clearest hint yet that Mr Putin, now prime minister, plans a swift return, senior government sources told the respected newspaper Vedomosti that Dmitry Medvedev could step down next year.
C. Gadhafi Offers Russia Navy Base - UPI
Libya has offered to host a Russian naval base and plans to purchase billions of dollars in military hardware, Russian sources told the Kommersant newspaper.
- Lord, we pray that the plans of Putin will be made clear and that you will protect Your people from any evil that comes against them.
- You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog, that I will bring you against My land so that the nations may know Me, when I show Myself holy through you in their sight. (Ezekiel 38:16)
7. Pakistan bomber kills 19 - USA Today
Two suicide bombers attacked pro-government tribesmen and security forces Thursday in Pakistan's volatile northwest, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens, officials said.
- Lord, we pray for peace and mercy for the families of those killed and for peace in the time going forward in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- For consider how much diligence this very thing- this grieving as God wills-has produced in you: what a desire to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what deep longing, what zeal, what justice! In every way you have commended yourselves to be pure in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
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: When LORD shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come [lit: the last generation]: and the people which shall be created shall praise LORD." (Psalm 102:16-18)
1. Ahmadinejad to Obama: Restore Palestinian rights - Ynet News
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a congratulatory telegram to United States president elect Barack Obama on his presidential victory, the Iranian news agency IRNA reported Thursday.
2. Olmert, Obama discuss peace process - Ynet News
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke by telephone on Thursday evening with US President-elect Barack Obama, and congratulated him on his historic election.
3. Livni: Obama readiness to talk to Iran could be seen as weakness - Ha'aretz
Foreign Minister and Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni said on Thursday Obama's stated readiness to talk to Iran could be seen in the Middle East as a sign of weakness in efforts to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear program.
4. Rice, Livni meet in Herzliya - Ynet News
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after her arrival in Israel, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hailed the election of Democrat Barack Obama as the end of the long and hard-fought integration of African Americans into the top ranks of government.
5. Five Qassam rockets hit south - Ynet News
Palestinian terrorists fired five Qassam rockets at Gaza-region communities Friday morning. Two rockets reportedly landed in the Sderot area, while three other rockets landed in open areas in the western Negev.
6. Rice: Peace By December Not Possible - AP
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday all but conceded that an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal by a year-end deadline is no longer possible. En route to the Middle East for her eighth trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories since the parties set the deadline for reaching an agreement at last November's summit at Annapolis, Md.
Rice said political uncertainty in Israel is the main complication to the goal. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being forced from office by a corruption scandal, and the country is set to hold new elections on February 10th. Rice will see Israeli and Palestinian leaders before traveling to Jordan and Egypt.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me. (Matthew 25:40)
1. Burma Army Attacking Christian Karen Villagers; Several Killed
Hundreds of villagers of Burma's, predominantly Christian, Karen minority have been displaced and several killed in fresh fighting in the country's disputed Karen State area, a Christian rights group said Tuesday, November 4.
2. Kyrgyzstan Adopts Controversial Religious Law
Kyrgyzstan's controversial new Religion Law was adopted unanimously by the country's parliament Thursday, November 6, adding to concerns among small Christian groups and churches that they will be targeted by authorities.
3. Colombia: Church Leaders Under Fire
Christians in Colombia are anxious to learn the fate of pastor William Reyes, missing since Sept. 25, even as three other pastors have gone missing.
4. India: Orissa Braces for More Violence
After Another MurderTerrified Christians already ravaged by more than two months of violence in Orissa state's Kandhamal district braced for more carnage as suspected Maoists today gunned down a local worker of the Hindu extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
5. Sunday is Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Join thousands of churches on Sunday November 9, 2008 and send the greatest gift of all to persecuted Christians. Prayer! The annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith. Prayer is also encouraged for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and those who ignore it. For more information regarding IDOP 2008 click on CBN.com
10 Ways to Pray for Barack Obama
Lee Grady, Senior Editor
Charisma Magazine
Whether you are happy about this week's election results or not, all Christians must unite in prayer for our new president. Please don't forsake this responsibility.
It's over. We've reached the end of the longest, angriest and most nerve-wracking presidential campaign in American history. Finally the "I approved this message" ads have ceased. The endless robot phone calls have stopped ringing. The debates, and the annoying post-debate comments from "experts," are history-until the next election cycle. More than half the nation is celebrating today while others are mourning. We are a divided nation, split into unhappy fragments by abortion, gay marriage, global warming, a failed economy and an unpopular war. Those who voted for Barack Obama have claimed a historic victory; some on McCain's side are already looking for scapegoats. Politics is politics.
But when I got up this morning, I turned all my attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is still on the throne. His government is what is most important. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, the Bible says "the nations are like a drop from a bucket" to God (Is. 40:15, NASB). That includes the United States. We may boast about being "the greatest nation on earth," but He who sits in heaven has a different perspective. Let's take a big sigh of relief now and remember that God is sovereign.
I'll admit this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I supported McCain primarily because I am pro-life and I prefer his small-government mindset. But now that the election is over, I'm not going to harbor bitterness toward Obama supporters or go into attack mode. Obama has been elected president of this country, and that means I have a biblical responsibility to support him in prayer-even if I challenge his policies. Whether you voted for Obama or not, you need to pray for him. Here are 10 ways I plan to intercede for him regularly:
1. Pray for Obama's protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen. Obama during his campaign. Let's pray that racist hatred is not allowed to spread. Let's cancel every assassin's bullet in the name of Jesus. May civility triumph over bigotry.
2. Cover his wife and daughters in prayer. It is not easy to live under constant media scrutiny. Pray for Obama's wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Natasha, as they face invasive cameras, nosy reporters, maniacal fans and dangerous enemies. Obama is not only a politician but also a husband and a father.
3. Pray that Obama will govern with God's wisdom. God rewarded Solomon because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth, long life or vengeance on his enemies (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). Pray that Obama will order his priorities like that. Despite Solomon's tragic character flaws, his legacy was wisdom. We can ask God to give our president the same grace.
4. Ask God to keep our president humble. Many great American leaders became corrupt after they moved to Washington. The fatal attraction of fame, wealth and power proved irresistible. The only thing that will guard a man or woman from this pitfall is humility. May God deliver President Obama from the curse of pride.
5. Pray for wise and righteous advisers to surround him. Godly leaders cannot do their job alone. Even the best leaders have failed because they trusted the wrong people. Pray that Obama will not select his counselors based on party, race, pedigree or political cronyism but on godly character and proven wisdom. Pray also that he will not allow secret traitors into his inner circle.
6. Ask for the spirit of reconciliation. Some segments of our deeply divided society want nothing to do with Obama now that he has won the presidency. Even some Christians will be tempted to harbor resentment and nurse political grudges throughout his term in office. Pray that God will grant forgiveness and healing so that leaders on all political levels can have constructive dialogue.
7. Pray that Obama will adopt pro-life convictions. Many politicians have changed their views on key issues while in office. In the 1800s some leaders who favored slavery later denounced it. In the 1950s some who opposed racial integration later became champions of it. Even though Obama won approval from many voters because he sanctions abortion, God could soften and change his heart.
8. Bind all evil forces assigned to manipulate our president. The specter of Islamic terrorism looms over the United States, and dark forces are ready to infiltrate. Our only hope lies in prayer to the God who is able to expose and outwit the schemes of the wicked. This is truly a time for spiritual warfare, and intercessors must not come off the wall in this hour! Pray that no foreign government, terrorist organization or demonic principality will use Obama as a tool. We must stand strong against the spirit of antichrist that promotes dictatorship, persecution of Christians and hostility toward Israel.
9. Pray that Obama's door will remain open to the church. The loudest voices of secular culture- from Bill Maher in Hollywood to atheists in academia- would be happy if religion were removed from public life. Pray that Obama, who claims to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, will unapologetically welcome Christian leaders into his company and seek their counsel. And pray that false religious leaders (who claim to know Christ but deny His power) will not have his ear.
10. Pray that our nation will enjoy God's peace and blessing during the Obama administration. The apostle Paul instructed early believers to pray for all in authority "so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" (1 Tim. 2:2, NASB). God's will is for America to experience peace and prosperity so that we can continue to export the gospel to the nations. This must happen whether a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. As we cry out for God's mercy on our wayward nation, pray that He will allow us to be a light to the world as we finance global missions, feed and heal the world's poor and share Christ's love at home and abroad.
Republicans: Leading by Example
A number of us were surprised yesterday to hear that Republican Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) was stepping down from his leadership position in the House. Congressman Blunt, widely respected as a man of wisdom and experience, has been a good friend to me and to the family. He was the main architect of several of the GOP's biggest legislative successes this year, including provisions that protect U.S. taxpayers.
It is expected that Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va.) will succeed Blunt as Whip, who we believe would be a good choice. Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) is also stepping aside from the third highest ranking minority position, Republican Conference Chairman, and may well be replaced by a good friend, the well-respected Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.).
Finally, there is talk that former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele is in line to take over the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. Each of these conservatives has shown a commitment to the values that were once the GOP's guiding light. By embracing these leaders, perhaps the Republican Party will rediscover its true voice and return to the fundamental principles that brought it such success. (Tony Perkins, Family Research Council)
Pro-Life Initiatives Lose on Tuesday
Perhaps the biggest disappointment at the ballot box last night was the defeat of every initiative related to the sanctity of life. Parental notification failed in California. Expanded human embryonic stem cell research was approved in Michigan. Euthanasia was legalized in Washington State. And efforts to expand legal protections to the unborn were defeated in Colorado and South Dakota. While the results of last night's election were hailed as a great human rights victory, the defeat of these pro- life initiatives clearly indicates we still have a long way to go. As Ravi Zacharias recently said, "We cannot talk about human rights without the right to be human."
(Source: Gary Bauer, End-of-Day, Wed., Nov. 6; Excerpt)
Because You Prayed . . .
Looking at the Election: Because You Prayed . . .
This has been a huge and an historic week for our nation.No matter whether we are pleased or distressed at the results of Tuesday's election, we yet see the Hand of God in evidence in these answers to prayer:
1. There was great order at the polls.
2. There were NO RECOUNTS called for.
3. There were NO ATTORNEYS alleging voter fraud at the polls.
4. Our streets were safe and peaceful.
5. The will of the people was made known in an orderly process.
6. The nations saw the BEST of our representative form of government.
7. And finally, the nations once again are now witnessing a SMOOTH TRANSITION of power, as one President graciously and gracefully turns over the helm of our government to the one who has been voted in.
For all these things, we offer PRAISE to the LORD, and our own gratitude to YOU who fasted, prayed, offered repentance, and travailed over Election 2009.
Please keep praying, for there is surely more to come!
in His Grace,Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Israel Warns Obama About Iran
Israel said Thursday that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's stated readiness to talk to Iran could be seen in the Middle East as a sign of weakness in efforts to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear program. "We live in a neighborhood in which sometimes dialogue - in a situation where you have brought sanctions, and you then shift to dialogue - is liable to be interpreted as weakness," Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said.
Her remarks sounded the first note of dissonance with Obama by a senior member of the Israeli government since the U.S. presidential election Tuesday. Asked if she supported any U.S. dialogue with Iran, Livni replied: "The answer is no." Livni, leading the centrist Kadima party into Israel's February 10 parliamentary election, also said "the bottom line" was that the United States, under Obama, "is also not willing to accept a nuclear Iran."
Israel, believed to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal, has said Iran's nuclear program is a threat to its existence and that it was keeping all options on the table to stop it. Iran and U.S. have no formal diplomatic relations since 1979 and the hostage drama when militant Iranian students held 52 Americans captive 444 days. (Reuters 11/6/08) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
Ahmadinejad: "a Weak State of Health"
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has admitted suffering from exhaustion, but he denied any illness, Iran's culture minister, Mohammad Hossein Saffar Harandi, has said. "He is in good shape and better than me," Hossein told reporters. Asked if the 52-year-old president had been ill, Harandi said: "Because of overwork it happens to him a lot. Blood pressure dropping, going to the ICU and receiving intravenous [treatment) has happened to him before and does happen", he said.
It was not unusual for Ahmadinejad to work 21 hours a day with no rest, said the minister. State television also quoted Ahmadinejad himself as saying that he might be exhausted, but that it was nothing more serious. "Of course, we are also human beings, and sometimes we catch a cold," he was quoted as saying.
The official statements were apparently meant to rebut rumors that the hard-line Iranian leader may be ill and not up to running for re-election in June 2009. Those rumors have also suggested that his condition could be more serious, particularly since he has canceled several events in the past week. (By Staff, World Jewish Congress, October 27, 2008)
Prayer Focus: Pray for the situation in Iran as like so many others, they will be facing national elections next year. Pray that the Lord will guide Iran to peace and fellowship with the international community. Scripture: "He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)[Source: Bridges for Peace]
