In This Issue· "Change" -- Today's New Format
· Points for Inaugural Prayer
· Additional Tools for Inaugural Prayer
· "A Covenant to Pray"
· Jan. 22 - March for Life
· Breaking News out of Israel
· Israel Discovers Gas!
· This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This WeekVolume XVI, Number 3 January 19 - 23, 2009
SPECIAL INAUGURAL EDITION
"God our Savior . . . wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Tim. 2:3a,4)
"Change" -- Today's New Format
In today's special Inaugural Edition of "On Capitol Hill This Week," you will find a new format, for this edition only.
The following articles will cover:
- Points for prayer-- Links for more information on the new administration
- The "Covenant to Pray"
- our ministry's pledge to pray for the new president, as commanded by scripture in I Timothy 2:1-2 - March for Life on January 22nd in Washington, D.C. and
- Breaking News out of Israel
We trust you will find this unique edition of "the OCAP" as both a blessing and a resource for your own times of prayer during Inauguration Week.
Next week's edition of the OCAP will focus again on issues related to Capitol Hill; and will be returned to our regular format.
Shalom!
Points for Inaugural Prayer
For all the headlines cited below, please pray especially for the safety of all the visitors and citizens in Washington, D.C. this week. As the law enforcement personnel work to keep all protected, pray too that the final details of the program for the swearing-in would glorify the Lord. And finally, pray that a spirit of REPENTANCE would fall upon all in attendance, as well as upon all who will watch this event worldwide, leading many to salvation through Christ Jesus, claiming this promise from the Word of God:
"No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD." (Jer. 31:34)
SECTION ONE: PRAYERS FOR THE INAUGURATION
1. Nation's Capital Readies for Obama's Inauguration - Fox News
Between One and Two Million Visitors Are Expected to Descend Upon the CityThe U.S. capital came alive Sunday with festivity and ceremony to celebrate Barack Obama's coming inauguration as the 44th U.S. president of a nation weighed down under a crushing economic recession and two difficult wars. Somewhere between 1 million and 2 million people are expected to make their way to Washington for the swearing in ceremony and inaugural parade on Tuesday. Some 240,000 tickets have been issued for the festivities at the Capitol.
2. Security braces for inaugural throngs - USATODAY.com
Record crowds expected for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration are prompting unique law enforcement strategies, including an unprecedented deployment of technology and a small army of officers and military personnel, senior security officials say. "Every element of the plan had to be tweaked to consider crowd control," Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier says.The FBI - worried that crowds will slow responses to potential emergencies - for the first time is outfitting at least 100 teams of specialists in hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction and hostage rescue with global positioning devices, said Christopher Combs, an FBI supervisory agent involved in the inaugural security operation.
3. Obama Inaugural To Cost Record $150 Million - Traditional Values Coalition
$100 Million More Than Previous Inaugurals! Washington, DC will be converted into a military zone during President-Elect Obama's Inauguration on January 20 when he is sworn in as President of the United States.More than 12,500 active duty soldiers and reservists, and thousands of police from DC and 57 departments around the nation will provide unprecedented security. In addition, U.S. military will fly air patrols, man surface-to-air systems, patrol the Potomac River with gunboats, assess chemical and biological threats and provide both visible and invisible on-the-ground security. Why?
- Because outgoing President Bush has declared a state of emergency for the District of Columbia in order to free up additional funds to provide security for the Inauguration. It is estimated that Obama's Inauguration will cost as much as $150 million - making it the most expensive inauguration in history.
SECTION TWO: PRAYERS FOR THE SWEARING- IN CEREMONY
1. Judge Decides God is Welcome at Inauguration - Citizen Link
Both President-elect Barack Obama and the Rev. Rick Warren can invoke God's name at Tuesday's inauguration, thanks to a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton refused to order the words "so help me God" taken out of Obama's oath of office or to prevent ministers from praying at the celebration. A group of atheists and agnostics, led by California atheist Michael Newdow, had sought to keep God out of the proceedings.
2. Rick Warren's Inaugural Participation Stirs Heated Debate - NPR
President-elect Barack Obama has invited the Rev. Rick Warren to offer the opening prayer at his inauguration. The selection has infuriated pro-choice and gay marriage supporters. Others applaud Obama's outreach to the evangelical community.
3. Homosexual Bishop And Partner Are Honored Guests - Traditional Values Coalition
President-Elect Obama has invited Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson gave the invocation at an event today and he will be attending the swearing-in ceremony and prayer breakfast with his sodomy partner. Robinson was interviewed by lesbian commentator Rachel Maddow on MSNBC this week. Robinson told her that he had been a behind-the-scenes advisor to Obama on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues before the election. He believes that Obama will support the homosexual agenda during the next four years.
4. Warren praises Obama for inviting homosexual bishop - NewsMax
Rick Warren is applauding Barack Obama's decision to invite homosexual Episcopal bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray at an inauguration event next week in Washington, DC.Christianity Today quotes a statement from Warren, who says "President-elect Obama has again demonstrated his genuine commitment to bringing all Americans of goodwill together in search of common ground. I applaud his desire to be the president of every citizen." Warren's comment came in the wake of a controversy over Obama's decision to invite Warren to give the invocation prayer at the swearing-in ceremony at next Tuesday's Presidential Inauguration. (Read more.)
5. Leader of 'Hamas-linked' group to deliver prayer - AP, WorldNet
DailyGovernment claims organization is supported by terrorist Muslim BrotherhoodA Muslim scholar chosen to speak at President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural prayer service Wednesday is the leader of a group that federal prosecutors say has ties to terrorists.Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America, is one of many religious leaders scheduled to speak at the prayer service at Washington's National Cathedral. (Read more.)
SECTION THREE: OTHER POINTS FOR PRAYER
1. Homosexual Band To March In Parade - Tradtional Values Coalition
'Gayla' To Be HeldNot only will Bishop Robinson be honored by Obama, but a homosexual band will march in the Inaugural parade. With the weather expected to be at or below freezing in Washington, DC, it is unlikely that homosexuals will walk naked down the street as they do in most so-called "pride parades" across the nation in June. In addition, homosexuals will be holding a "Gayla" on Sunday night from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Rep. Barney Frank will be attending this event. One of the entertainers that evening is a transvestite who calls himself Shi-Queeta-Lee. There will be other numerous homosexual festivities during the Inauguration.
2. On "Day One" as President, Obama to Begin Day in Prayer - Fox News
The new president will start Wednesday at Washington's National Cathedral for the National Prayer Service, which dates to George Washington's time. His office said Friday that he and his wife, Michelle, will welcome "hundreds of special guests" on "day one, when we open the doors of the White House to you."
3. Obama Will Call in Joint Chiefs; Mission: "End the War in Iraq" - Fox News
Perhaps most importantly, however, will be Obama's plan to fulfill his pledge to assemble the nation's military leaders to take a hard look at starting the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq -- six years after outgoing President George W. Bush declared "Mission Accomplished" following the initial U.S. invasion of the Mideast nation.Obama said in July: "I intend to end this war. My first day in office, I will bring the Joint Chiefs of Staff in, and I will give them a new mission, and that is to end this war responsibly and deliberately but decisively."
4. Eligibility battle rages on 3 fronts - WorldNetDaily
Court, Congress and college challenged on constitutionalityOfficials at Occidental College in Los Angeles, Calif., have been served with a demand to produce records concerning Barack Obama's attendance there during the 1980s because they could document whether he was attending as a foreign national - in one of three fronts now established by those contesting the president-elect's constitutional eligibility for the Oval Office. The Supreme Court and Congress also both are being challenged to address the worries that Obama doesn't meet the requirements of the U.S. Constitution that the president be a "natural born" citizen. (Read more)
Additional Tools for Inaugural Prayer
1. Family Research Council:"Change Watch: Keeping Track of the Obama Administration"
2. Intercessors for America:Information on all Obama appointments.Go here.
3. Traditional Values Coalition:Various articles covering the Inauguration and the new administration
"A Covenant to Pray"
"A Covenant to Pray" A Pledge to Pray for our Next PresidentAdopted by the Board of Directors,Capitol Hill Prayer PartnersSaturday, November 15, 2008
A COVENANT TO PRAY FOR PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
We, the members of the Board of Directors of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, wish to state that, according to the mandate of our own foundational verse, below, we will pledge to pray for the President-Elect daily throughout this time of transition and during his tenure in office. It is written:
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners has stood, on-site, in Washington, D.C., praying for "all in authority" as ambassadors for Christ, since the Lord first set us in place on Capitol Hill on April 11, 1994. We will not stop doing so now.
May our Lord grace this new President with every equipping possible, so that he will be able to carry forth His will for our people every day that he stands in his new office. May he especially work to uphold the sanctity of life, in all issues related to this critical matter. And may Barack Hussein Obama also stand with Israel, as she continues to fight terrorism in her land. We pray that he will work to honor the boundaries of Israel, set forth in the Word of God.
Finally, we pledge to do our own part to walk in holiness and the fear of the Lord, according to I Samuel 12:13-15, that Father might then move upon the heart of our new "king" to walk in obedience, as well. It is written:
"Now therefore, here is the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired. And take note, the LORD has set a king over you. If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the LORD your God." (I Samuel 12:13-15 NKJV)
Agreed to today by all members of the Board of Directors of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners.November 15, 2008Alexandria, VirginiaSubmitted by: Sara Ballenger, Founder and President Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Jan. 22 - March for Life
SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY / MARCH FOR LIFE
Care Net www.care-net.org , Focus on the Family www.family.org , Lutherans for Life www.lutheransforlife.org and other groups are calling on churches to observe Jan. 18 as Sanctity of Life Sunday.
The 36th annual March for Life www.marchforlife.org will rally at noon on Thurs., Jan. 22, at the Mall in Washington, DC.
· Please lift up the March for Life this Thursday, January 22, in prayer. IT IS TIME TO END THE HOLOCAUST OF THE UNBORN IN OUR NATION! Pray for journeying mercies for all who will attend; for great weather; for the safety and protection of all marchers; and for the voice of RIGHTEOUSNESS and LIFE to be heard loudly throughout our nation that day, and on Sanctity of LIfe Sunday in our churches. Pray!
· "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live . . ." (Dt. 30:19)
Breaking News out of Israel
Hamas Agrees to Cease-FireGives Israel One Week to Remove Troops
Israeli troops have begun pulling out of Gaza after Hamas and other Palestinian factions announced they will give Israel a one-week cease-fire starting Sunday. The move comes as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he wants to withdraw Israel's forces from the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
Olmert said Sunday that Israel has no intention of remaining in Gaza, but wants assurances that a new cease-fire with the Hamas militant group will be stable. Hamas announced a one-week cease-fire on Sunday, a day after Israel said it was ending a three-week offensive in Gaza. (Fox News)
· The people of Israel have fought the Philistines for millenia; pray for the safety of the Israelis and the Chrstians who live in Gaza. Ask the Lord to send warrior angels to guard all entrances, hidden or not, to Gaza so that Hamas cannot re-arm.
· "May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion." (Psalm 20:1,2)
Israel Discovers Gas!
The Houston-based Noble Energy company, drilling for Israel's Delek fuel company, announced that it has discovered a huge deposit of natural gas under the Mediterranean Sea near Haifa. Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) said that the find was of "historic proportions," and that it could change the face of Israel's economy.
Eighty-seven billion cubic meters, or nearly 3.1 trillion cubic feet, of high-quality gas are estimated to be in three deposits in the Tamar Drilling site, which is named for Delek owner Yitzchak Teshuva's granddaughter. Teshuva said that the find marks a "historic milestone and a great holiday for Israel," and that he has no doubt it will "supply Israel's energy needs for many decades to come."
The gas is located 90 kilometers west of Haifa, between Israel and Cyprus, but the rights to the Cypriot drilling sites are also owned by Teshuvah. The depth of the water above the find is 1.7 kilometers, over a mile, and the gas is located another 4.9 kilometers deep in an area 140 meters wide. In light of the positive results from the finds, a $20 million test drill will be carried out over the next three weeks. (Israel National News)
· "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING OF THE NATIONS (Mehlekh Ha Goyyeem) "Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you." (Jeremiah 10:7)
King of the Nations, how I praise Your name, for there is none like You. Others may try to usurp Your kingly reign, but they are fools in Your sight. Thank You that no matter where I am, You are King.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
