Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 19
June 13 - 17, 2011
June 13 - 17, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37)
Focus on Israel
1. CONGRESS CELEBRATES JERUSALEM DAY
2. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SPEAK OUT FOR ISRAEL
3. URGE YOUR MEMBER TO JOIN THE IIACF!
4. SYRIA ACCUSED OF BACKING PROTESTORS STORMING ISRAELI BORDER
5. PALESTINIANS PLAN MASS FLY-IN
6. TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER: RECONSIDER GAZA FLOTILLA
7. U.S. OFFICIALS MEET WITH NEGOTIATORS
8. THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN TEL AVIV'S GAY PRIDE MARCH
1. CONGRESS CELEBRATES JERUSALEM DAY
As Israelis paraded their way through the streets of Jerusalem on June 1, around 100 people gathered at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in celebration as well. Attendees hailed from the East Coast to the Midwest, with a few making the trip all the way from Israel to celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty with the Jerusalem Day Prayer Breakfast. The prayer breakfast, hosted by the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation, sought to not only celebrate this historic event and the significance of Jerusalem, but to highlight legislation that is currently making its way through the House of Representatives, the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011.
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana, H.R. 1006 would remove the presidential waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. The waiver gives the President the power to delay the movement of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for "national security concerns."
Despite Wednesday reportedly being one of the busiest days on the Hill, there was a solid bi-partisan attendance from members of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and the signers of the legislation. Israel Allies Caucus co-Chairs, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Rep. Eliot Engel and Rep. Doug Lamborn were joined by other Congressional members as they reiterated their commitment to Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel and to Israel's right to live in peace within secure borders. (Read more.)
Click here to read the statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that was read during the program.
To learn more about what happened at this very exciting event, you can watch video taken by CBN by going here.
2. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SPEAK OUT FOR ISRAEL ON JERUSALEM DAY
Despite Wednesday reportedly being one of the busiest days on the Hill, there was a solid bi-partisan attendance from members of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and the signers of the legislation. Israel Allies Caucus co-Chairs, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Rep. Eliot Engel and Rep. Doug Lamborn were joined by other Congressional members as they reiterated their commitment to Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel and to Israel's right to live in peace within secure borders.
UCI (Unity Coalition for Israel) was privileged to attend and videotape the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation Jerusalem Day Prayer Breakfast and Press Conference on June 1st, 2011. Many luminaries on Capitol Hill prayed for and spoke out for a united Jerusalem. UCI has released two videotapes of various remarks made by members of Congress as follows:
Part 1 (article 1) shows the strong bi-partisan voices of Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and Joe Walsh (R-IL) speaking in support of moving the US Embassy by revoking the Presidential waiver. (House Res. 1006). Go here.
Part 2 (article 2) features Representative Lt. Col. Allen West (R-FL) as he speaks to the original inhabitants of Israel and the safety and security of our strongest ally, Israel. [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!] Go here.
- Happily, several representatives of CHPP were also in attendance at the Jerusalem Day Prayer Breakfast. To be honest, our sense was that the wave of excitement and enthusiasm for Israel that we witnessed inside the Rayburn Building that morning was simply another "wave" of enthusiasm that had been birthed barely one week earlier when P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Session of Congress, receiving 29 standing ovations for his remarks. We praise God for the evidence of a newly-energized, pro-Israel lobby inside Congress, and we ask prayer that this momentum would not only be sustained, but would even increase in the days and weeks ahead on Capitol Hill.
- "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1:6)
3. URGE YOUR MEMBER TO JOIN THE IIACF!
In this hour, when it is critical that we have a voice inside Congress to lobby and caucus for a strong Israel, we are thanking the Lord for moving on the hearts of many members of Congress to form the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus. If your member has not yet joined tihs caucus, please call him or her and urge him to do so . . . now! To do so, please call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to the representative or senator of your choice. Thank you!
- "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power." (Psalm 110:3)
4. SYRIA ACCUSED OF BACKING PROTESTORS STORMING ISRAELI BORDER
Three weeks exactly after protesters and rioters stormed Israel's northern borders, the Syrian border erupted again on Sunday [June 5] as rioters sought to infiltrate Israel's border to mark the anniversary of the Six-Day War, known in Arabic as the Naksa, or "setback," in which Israel in a war of self-defense defeated multiple Arab armies.
In an interview with Bridges for Peace on Sunday evening Israel time, [Israel Defense Forces] IDF spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich said protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers as well as Molotov cocktails or firebombs. Said Leibovich, "This was not a quiet and peaceful demonstration, they had one goal-to infiltrate into Israel, and this is something that we cannot allow, just like any other country that will not allow its borders to be breached, we are in the same situation." The Syrian regime was accused of backing the riots.
She said there was "no doubt" that the protesters made it to the border with the Syrian government's permission and help. She noted the regime could have blocked the roads to prevent the protesters from reaching the border if they had wanted, and they chose not to do so. Said Leibovich, "From our understanding, the Syrian regime gave a big blessing to these riots." (Bridges for Peace)
- Pray that the international community will hold Syria to account for their involvement in these tragic protests. Pray that any such violence on Israel's borders will come to an end.
- "Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war." (Psalm 140:1-2)
5. PALESTINIANS PLAN MASS FLY-IN
Amid heightened tensions over the next Gaza-bound flotilla set to depart in June, pro-Palestinian elements are planning to send a large number of activists on commercial flights to the Ben-Gurion airport in the beginning of July, with the aim of showing solidarity with the Palestinians, embarrassing the Israeli government and raising awareness for the Palestinian right of return [a Palestinian belief in the "right" to return for millions of "refugees" and their descendants to territory in Israel].
A report published by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center claims the organizers of the event believe the "end the siege" convoys are "too limited" and broader actions are needed to "remove the blockade from the entire land of Palestine."
According to the organizers' Web site, the date of arrival to Ben-Gurion airport is set on July 8, because on July 9, 2004 the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the security fence erected by Israel is illegal [the fence was erected to help prevent suicide bombings, an effort that has been largely successful]. According to the organizers, 500 people have already booked their flights to Israel, including families and children hailing from Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa. After holding a protest rally at Ben-Gurion Airport, the activists plan to travel to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] for solidarity meetings with local Palestinians.(Ynet News)
- Pray that this highly provocative event be cancelled and that Israel be saved from the extremely difficult and dangerous situation such a "fly-in" would create.
- "Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:1-4) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
6. TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER: RECONSIDER GAZA FLOTILLA
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday [June 6] called on the organizers of the second Gaza flotilla to wait and see how the reopening of the Rafah crossing [at the Egyptian-Gaza border] will affect the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This is the first time that the Turkish foreign minister has called on the flotilla organizers, who were planning on setting sail at the end of June, to reconsider their plans.
Thus far Davutoglu has rejected requests from Israel and the US to try and stop the flotilla, claiming that it was a private civilian initiative, therefore beyond the government's purview. He insisted that the international community must work to lift the Gaza blockade instead of attempting to halt the flotilla.
In addition, the foreign minister said that he had recently spoken to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who noted that the new government would be formed within the next two to three weeks. "What has Israel previously stated? Israel said that it wouldn't lift the Gaza blockade because it does not recognize Hamas," Davutoglu noted, "since there will no longer be a government in Gaza the moment a unity government is formed then we must first see how the new government functions." (Ynet News)
- Continue to pray that the organizers of this event will listen to the advice of the Turkish foreign minister and cancel the flotilla.
- "Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually." (Psalm 74:22-23) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
7. U.S. OFFICIALS MEET WITH NEGOTIATORS ATTEMPT TO RESTART PEACE TALKS
The United States is actively at work to try and make headway in the Israel-Palestinian peace process, with Israeli and Palestinian representatives meeting separately this week in Washington with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. According to a US State Department official, speaking on background with Bridges for Peace, Clinton "had good, separate meetings" with the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, Isaac Molho and Saeb Erekat.
Acting US Mideast envoy David Hale and other officials have also had separate follow-up meetings with the negotiators. The US official told Bridges for Peace that the meetings are "part of ongoing consultations with the parties on how best to move beyond the current impasse." Despite the meetings, negotiations have not resumed yet.
Speaking on Monday [June 6] in a press conference with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, Secretary of State Clinton, in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, said that "there is no agreement that the parties will resume negotiations."
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that an Israeli source who recently returned from Washington said that US officials have encouraged US President Barack Obama to invite Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the US for negotiations that would be based on Obama's speech from last month.
In that speech, Obama called for talks to begin on the issues of security and borders, with the 1967 lines with agreed upon swaps as the basis for such talks. While the 1967-lines-with-swaps framework is not a new concept, it remains to be seen if Obama's personal endorsement and restatement of it as a starting point for territorial concessions will harm Israel's negotiations stance.
One of the hurdles that remains is the anticipated unity government between Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group. Clinton addressed that matter as well, noting that the US continues to have "serious concerns about the role, if any, that Hamas might play in a Palestinian government."
- Pray that a return to the negotiating table be based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish nation. Pray that undue pressure will not be placed on Israel to make dangerous concessions.
- "On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.'" (Genesis 15:18) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace; edited]
8. THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN TEL AVIV'S GAY PRIDE MARCH
Organizers say Friday's parade was the biggest in city's history. Gay religious men were among the marchers Thousands of people took part in the Tel Aviv gay pride parade on Friday, held under heavy security. Several main roads in the city were blocked for traffic. Hundreds of tourists participated in the parade, some of whom carried their own national flags. Eric Christiansen, a French tourist, told Ynet: "This is a wonderful sight and I hope it will be broadcast all over the world to show how much freedom and pluralism Israel has to offer." (YnetNews)
- Father God, please forgive those who supported Gay Pride in Tel Aviv in Israel. Bring holiness back into Your land. Holy Spirit, bring to the Israelis an undeniable desire to learn Your Word and then to follow Your commands. Father God, we ask that the demonic spirits brought into the city and land be cut off from influencing further homosexual behavior. We decree that there never again will be a parade celebrating homosexual speeches and behaviors in Tel Aviv or anywhere else in the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Amen.
- "Therefore, you hall love the Lord, your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always." (Deuteronomy 11:1)
More International News
1. "HUMANITARIAN CRISIS" AT SYRIA'S BORDER
2. TURKEY SAYS 4,000 FLEE SYRIA, THOUSANDS MORE AT BORDER
3. U.S. PLANNING TO SPEND $3 BILLION FOR SECURITY FORCE IN IRAQ
4. BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN AFGHANISTAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AT RISK
5. IRAN: ADVANCED CENTRIFUGES TO BE SET UP SOON AT QOM NUCLEAR SITE
6. IRAN EXPANDS SUBMARINE FLEET
7. NUCLEAR FUEL HAS MELTED THROUGH BASE OF FUKUSHIMA PLANT
8. BREAKING! TURKEY SENDS TROOPS INTO SYRIA!
1. "HUMANITARIAN CRISIS" AT SYRIA'S BORDER
A border region with a history of hostility toward the Syrian regime is posing the biggest challenge yet for President Bashar Assad's struggle to crush the revolt against his family's 40-year-rule. Analysts say Assad will do anything to restore control in the restive northern area bordering Turkey, where mutinous forces are giving a largely peaceful revolt new strength -- and firepower. Syrian troops backed by tanks, helicopters and heavy armor have been in the area for several days; it was not clear why the army was delaying an assault. In the meantime, a captain and 15 soldiers defected and joined the protesters on Saturday, according to the Local Coordination Committees, which documents Syrian anti-government protests. The report could not be independently confirmed.
Ausama Monajed, a London-based Syrian activist, said the Assads could be worried not just about army defections, but any hesitation to obey shoot-on-sight orders. Human rights groups say more than 1,400 people nationwide have died in the government crackdown since the uprising erupted in southern Syria in mid-March.
"The Assads are reshuffling the army and creating a number of mainly Alawite units made up specifically of people who have been tested and have shown themselves to be hardcore loyalists," he said. "It is these units that have been sent to Jisr al-Shughour." (Fox News) Read more.
- Syrian guns, tanks, and other weapons must be rendered useless in killing and wounding the Syrian citizens. Syria has accepted weapons from Russia and money from Iran, all the while deceiving our State Department into believing the Syrians are our friends. Pray that the humanitarian needs of these refugees can be met from outside sources. Pray for more defections in the Syrian military until there are insufficient soldiers to support Assad's attacks on his own people. Ask the Lord to especially protect the escaping children.
- "He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart." (Proverbs 11:29)
2. TURKEY SAYS 4,000 FLEE SYRIA, THOUSANDS MORE AT BORDER
More than 4,000 Syrians have fled to Turkey to escape a crackdown on protests against President Bashar Assad, and thousands more are sheltering near the border, officials and activists said on Saturday. Fearing revenge from security forces for clashes in which authorities said 120 troops were killed this week, the refugees streamed out of the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour ahead of a military operation launched by the army there on Friday. (Jerusalem Post)
- Pray for the total diminishing of power of Bashar Assad and his counselors. Like Qaddafi in Libya, Assad wants to hang onto his power, even sacrificing his own people. The phrase of the day seems to be: power is more important than people. The ruling Allawee regime in Syria, a sect of Islam, seems to be comprised of totally godless people. Until the 1970's Syria was a democracy with a parliament and elected representatives.
Remember that Syria was the first place outside of Israel that received the gospel of Jesus Christ through the preaching of Paul. The roots of Christianity are far deeper than are those of Islam. In prayer, lay axe to the root of Islam in this land, and call forth a blossoming of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to emerge. Pray for those fleeing that they do so safely. Pray that any military action to be taken against the refugees will be rendered impotent.
-"Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes. For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." (Proverbs 4: 25.26)
3. U.S. PLANNING TO SPEND $3 BILLION FOR SECURITY FORCE IN IRAQ
The State Department is preparing to spend close to $3 billion to hire a security force to protect diplomats in Iraq after the U.S. pulls its last troops out of the country by year's end. (Fox News)
- God, we call out to You to direct this plan and it be under the divine supervision of the God of heaven. You are all wise and have knowledge of all things so we ask that this situation be in Your hands and all things are directed from heaven. In Jesus Name.
- "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
4. BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN AFGHANISTAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AT RISK
The hugely expensive U.S. attempt at nation-building in Afghanistan has had only limited success and may not survive an American withdrawal, according to the findings of a two-year congressional investigation released on Wednesday. The report, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Democratic staff, calls on the administration to rethink its assistance programs as Obama prepares to begin drawing down the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan this summer. (Washington Post)
- Lord, we call upon You for freedom for Afghanistan- the freedom of Jesus Christ. Without Your salvation and shalom peace, they have no hope to have a nation without bloodshed and war. Loose Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and bring Your restoration to them!
- "And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." (Isaiah 61:4)
5. IRAN: ADVANCED CENTRIFUGES TO BE SET UP SOON AT QOM NUCLEAR SITE
Iran's nuclear energy chief and Vice President Fereidoun Abbasi was quoted Wednesday by the official Iranian IRNA news agency as saying Tehran plans to soon set up the more advanced type of centrifuges, suitable for higher-level uranium enrichment, at the Fordo site near the holy city of Qom in central Iran. (Ha'aretz)
-- Iran to move its most sensitive nuclear equipment to bunker
Iran is moving its production of higher-enriched uranium to a mountain bunker, where it plans to triple output by using more advanced centrifuges, state television reported Wednesday. (Washington Post)
- Father, we declare Your Word over the Middle East, Your protection for Israel and those who love her. We trust in Your faithfulness and power to stop any and all plans against Your people.
- "I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrential rain, hailstones, fire and brimstone on him, as well as his troops and the many peoples who are with him. I will display My greatness and holiness, and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:22-23)
6. IRAN EXPANDS SUBMARINE FLEET
Iran is expanding their submarine fleet: Iranian Navy Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Seyed Mahmoud Moussavi said that the Islamic Republic will soon conduct test runs to examine new Iranian-made submarine models, Fars Iranian network reported on Thursday [June 0]. "The new submarines, built by the committed Iranian experts, will join the naval combat fleet," after being tested during upcoming military exercises, Moussavi said on Wednesday [June 8].
On Tuesday [June 7], it was reported that Iranian submarines were dispatched to the Red Sea in order to gather intelligence and keep surveillance over the movements of foreign fleets' submarines and vessels.
Iran announced last August that it had increased its fleet and now has a total of 11 submarines, which will be used to patrol the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Iran has dispatched battleships to distant waters such as the Red Sea and the Mediterranean in the past, but it is the first time it is sending submarines to the area. (Ynet News)
- God will confuse and confound Iran's attempts to increase its military capability, as He did in ancient times, protecting His chosen people.
- "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men." (Psalm 59:1-2)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
7. NUCLEAR FUEL HAS MELTED THROUGH BASE OF FUKUSHIMA PLANT
The nuclear fuel in three of the reactors at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant has melted through the base of the pressure vessels and is pooling in the outer containment vessels, according to a report by the Japanese government. (UK Telegraph)
- Lord, we place Japan and its nuclear disaster firmly in Your Hands. We ask for their souls in salvation, and we pray for their restoration and help in Your mercy. We ask for their land, all of the ocean, and every creature that stands in the path of this meltdown. Man may not be able to stop it, but our Mighty God can.
- "For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He did not hide His face from him, but listened when he cried to Him for help." (Psalm 22:24)
8. BREAKING! TURKEY SENDS TROOPS INTO SYRIA!
A new and dramatic turn in the Syrian crisis;: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday night, June 10, ordered his army to move into northern Syria where battles were blazing in Idlib, Maarat al-Numaan and Jisr al-Shuhour. Debkafile's exclusive sources report that the prime minister's office and high command in Ankara are still working out how to define the Turkish military mission in Syria. One proposal is to evoke UN Security Council's 1973 resolution which mandated the NATO operation in Libya to protect civilian lives against Col. Qaddafi.
Turkey would be acting to defend Syrian civilians against a crackdown which Erdogan called barbaric.
Ankara decided on military intervention Friday night, two days before Turkey's general election, after learning about the latest turn in the showdown between the Syrian government and the opposition.
The Turkish expeditionary force in Syria will have three missions:
1 To stem the swelling stream of Syrian refugees fleeing massacre at the hands of government forces. Ankara has accepted over 3,000 refugees from Jisr al-Shughour who are desperate to escape certain slaughter; it is not prepared to take on tens or possible hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing from larger towns like Idlib, Maarat al-Numaana and the Kurdish regions abutting the Turkish border.
2 To mark out a military zone on the Syrian side of the border where the Red Crescent will set up camps for Syrian refugees to shelter under Turkish army protection.
3 Next week, the Turkish army will establish a military buffer zone in the Kurdish region of northern Syria near its main town, Qamishli.
The Erdogan government will be taking the chance of Assad deciding that the Turkish military incursion is an act of war. Fighting would then break out between the two armies. (DebkaFile) Read more.
- If you have a map handy of this region of the world, today would be a great day to lay hands on this map and to pray over the Syrian-Turkish border. This situation is rapidly spinning out of control. Intercede, asking the Lord to quell the panic and to restore order and peace to this region. Pray over the mind of President Bashar Assad. Ask the LORD to move on his heart, that he not panic, but instead weigh his own options very carefully in response to this action by Turkey. PRAY!
- "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (I Timothy 2:1,2)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 19b
DOMESTIC ISSUES
On The Hill
1. CONGRESS RETURNS TO WORK; WEINER HEADS TO REHAB
2. SUBCOMMITTEE CALLS FOR U.S. TO CUT FUNDING TO THE U.N. IF PA STATE IS OK'D
3. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HOLDS CRITICAL VOTE ON THURSDAY
1. CONGRESS RETURNS TO WORK; WEINER HEADS TO REHAB
As the U.S. Congress returns to work Monday, Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., begins this week in rehab at an undisclosed location. The congressman is taking what he calls "a short leave of absence" to get psychological treatment. "I've made some pretty serious mistakes and I need to redeem myself. And I'm working hard to get back to normal and serve the people of my district the best I can," Weiner said.
Meanwhile, calls for Weiner's resignation are growing after more lewd photos sent by the New York lawmaker were discovered over the weekend. "Seems to me extraordinarily difficult that he can proceed to represent his constituents in an effective way given the circumstances this bizarre behavior," Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told CBS's "Face the Nation." Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. also called for Weiner step down, calling his behavior "indefensible." "We have made clear that he needs to resign. He needs to focus on getting his own personal issues in order," she told NBC's "Meet the Press."
There has been no indication of how long Weiner's leave of absence will be. Meanwhile, his wife, Huma Abedin, is set to return to the U.S. in a few days after traveling with her boss, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (CBN News) Read more. [Reported by: Christian Coalition of America]
- Father, we ask for justice and mercy for our leaders who fall in the eyes of your people.
- "He delights in mercy." (Micah 7:18)
2. SUBCOMMITTEE CALLS FOR U.S. TO CUT FUNDING TO THE U.N. IF PA STATE IS OK'D
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East subcommittee has introduced a non-binding resolution to cut U.S. funding to the UN if it unilaterally approves a PA state. U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Middle East subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, has introduced a non-binding resolution to cut U.S. funding to the UN if it unilaterally approves a Palestinian Authority state.
"The resolution calls on the Secretary of State to withdraw American funding for the UN General Assembly if it "adopts a resolution in favor of recognizing a state of Palestine outside of or prior to a final status agreement negotiated between, and acceptable to, the State of Israel and the Palestinians."
Chabot's measure has not yet garnered co-sponsors, but Chabot says he expects a "significant number" of his colleagues to support it when Congress returns to session this week. (IsraelNationalNews) Read more.
- Pray that momentum will build quickly in Congress on both sides of the aisle for passage of this bill. The United Nations needs to know that, when this vote to unilaterallty declare "Palestine" as a nation takes place as anticipated on September 15th, America is watching. Pray!
- "Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb." (Psalm 37:1)
3. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HOLDS CRITICAL VOTE ON THURSDAY
A critical vote is coming up in the Senate Judiciary Committee this Thursday. Pray that this man, Stephen Six, be denied confirmation, and if you have a Senator on the Judiciary Committee, make your desire known. This man should not be confirmed for several reasons, a few of which are:
-- He believes there are "no constitutional defects" in Obamacare.
-- He is the former Attorney General of Kansas and was defeated in the last election for good reason. He took the extraordinary step of closing down a major criminal investigation of Planned Parenthood in Kansas.
-- He demonstrably mis-represented himself before the committee, especially in terms of how he actively interfered with Planned Parenthood investigations. (Federal Intercessors)
- Offer a word of praise that this information has come to light, and begin to pray now over this hearing and this vote. Ask the LORD to move upon the hearts of the senators present, so that the nomination of Judge Stephen Six will stop here and not see the light of day on the floor of the Senate. PRAY!
- "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan." (Prov. 29:2)
In the Courts
1. APPEALS COURT "SKEPTICAL" OF "OBAMACARE" MANDATE
2. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS PRESSURED ON HEALTH RULING
3. IN CALIFORNIA: BACK IN COURT - JUDGE SHOULD HAVE STEPPED DOWN
4. SUPREME COURT REJECTS ANOTHER CHALLENGE TO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPEALS COURT "SKEPTICAL" OF "OBAMACARE" MANDATE
Judges seem receptive to health care challenge
Obama's health care law received a chilly reception Wednesday from a federal appeals court that seemed wary of approving a major expansion of government coercion over the economic activity of millions of Americans.
Acknowledging they are breaking new ground in considering this case, the three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sitting in Atlanta questioned whether there is any precedent in more than two centuries in which the Supreme Court has upheld a law that forces individuals to buy a private good or service - in this instance, the individual mandate that every American obtain health insurance.
"If we uphold the individual mandate in this case, are there any limits on Congress' power left?" said Chief Judge Joel Dubina, appointed by the Most Honorable President George H.W. Bush, who seemed most hostile to the Obama administration's defense. The other two judges, both appointed by Clinton, peppered each side with questions, but signaled their own concerns about the lack of specific precedent for upholding this type of mandate. "I want to know, going back to the first principles, is there anything out there that actually suggests that Congress can compel a private party to buy a private product on the open market if they're not disposed to do so," Judge Stanley Marcus said.
Attorneys general from 26 states, a coalition of small businesses, and private individuals brought the lawsuit challenging the law. "There is nothing in the Constitution that authorizes Congress to pass a law that forces Americans to go out and buy a product. And if this law is upheld, there are potentially no limits to congressional power," Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta seemed to share that sentiment, appearing uncomfortable with the mandate that all Americans carry health insurance or face penalties. (CBN; Washington Times) Read more here and here.
- Father, thank You for judges impartial to their nominating parties, standing up for "first principles." Raise up more leaders willing to stand for fundamental principles, and go before this case.
- "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16) [Reported by: Christian Coalition of America]
2. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS PRESSURED ON HEALTH RULING
Democrat lawmakers say the connections that Justice Clarence Thomas' wife has pose a conflict of interest in an upcoming vote on Obama's health care reforms. Eyeing a potential 5-4 decision on Obama's Affordable Care health care reforms, some Democratic lawmakers are trying to pressure Justice Clarence Thomas to sit out any health care case that may come before the Supreme Court.
And in an added tack to influence the court's decision-making, one election watchdog has demanded an FBI probe of the justice over a 2010 campaign finance ruling. The months-long efforts to target Thomas focus on his financial disclosure forms, of which amended versions were filed earlier this month and released publicly on Friday. In them, Thomas reveals that his wife, Ginni Thomas, received a salary in 2010 from Liberty Central, a group that she helped found and which supports the repeal of the health care law.
"We knew that Justice Thomas' family had a financial stake in opposing health care reform. Now we know even more," Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "It's pretty clear the justice has one option here: recusal."
Defenders of Justice Thomas note that nothing in the ethics rules compels Thomas to report the sums his wife earned on his financial disclosures. They add that it's no secret where Ginni Thomas worked. Supporters of Thomas also say the effort to remove the justice from the court is an attempt to extract rulings -- 4-4 decisions at the high court leave appellate court decisions in place -- that they may not otherwise get on a divided court. (Fox News, 5/30/31) Read more.
- Well, well, well . . . look who has been leading the charge against this man of great integrity - Justice Clarence Thomas. Before we were able to even intercede over this matter, God moved to humble his chief accuser. Pray that this issue will completely disappear off the radar screen so that, if and when issues related to the president's health care law come before the Court, the entire Court will be able to weigh this matter and render a decision, in truth. Pray!
- "Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm." (I Chronicles 16:2)
"Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 65:24)
3. IN CALIFORNIA: BACK IN COURT - JUDGE SHOULD HAVE STEPPED DOWN
The ongoing battle over marriage received another hearing today in a San Francisco federal court room. This time, the focus was on the propriety of now-retired District Judge Vaughn R. Walker's decision to strike down Proposition 8, a 2008 voter-approved amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stopped Walker's decision from going into effect while the case continues. Shortly after retiring in February, Walker admitted in an interview to being in a decade-long same-sex relationship -- a rumor that had surfaced during the trial, and a fact that was not disclosed by Walker prior to accepting the case.
In short, had Walker recused himself -- or ruled in favor of Prop 8 -- he would have destroyed his prospect of being in a same-sex marriage, if he so desired. Even legal ethicist Jack Marshall, who supports same-sex marriage, reluctantly admitted: "A straightforward application of the judicial ethics rules compels the conclusion that Walker should have recused himself from taking part in the [Perry v. Schwarzenegger] case" (Citizen Link) Read more.
- Father we thank You that the 9th Circuit has placed a hold on this case until the matter of Judge Walker's recusal can be resolved. We ask for righteous decision, so that the court will be able to rule in favor of the will of the people of the State of California, and not in favor of personal expediency. Thank You, Lord, that when we pray, You do answer! In Your Name,amen.
- "Also I will make justice the measuring line, And righteousness the plummet; The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, And the waters will overflow the hiding place." (Isaiah 28:17).
4. SUPREME COURT REJECTS ANOTHER CHALLENGE TO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Today the Supreme Court rejected atheist activist Michael Newdow's latest lawsuit challenging to the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Court rejected Newdow's appeal from the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, which had turned back his attempt to stop schoolchildren in Hanover, New Hampshire -- site of Dartmouth College -- from reciting the Pledge voluntarily.
In March, the Supreme Court rejected Newdow's appeal from a loss in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. In both cases, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty intervened in the lawsuit on behalf of school kids who wanted to keep saying the Pledge as is, as well as the Knights of Columbus, who originated the phrase "one nation under God." Becket Fund Founder Kevin J. "Seamus" Hasson argued the cases in Boston and San Francisco.
"Not surprisingly, the Supreme Court has again rejected the argument that saying the Pledge of your own free will creates an official state religion," stated Eric Rassbach, National Litigation Director at the Becket Fund. "The words 'one nation under God' make clear the bedrock American principle that our rights come not from the State, but are endowed by our Creator. . . Rassbach added, "This may not be the last challenge to the Pledge. Dr. Newdow has said that he will continue to challenge the Pledge around the country, and we will be there to defend it." (The Becket Fund) Read more.
- Father, we praise You, too, for this decision. Amen. - "I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (Isaiah 1:26)
At the White House
1. FCC AGREES TO TAKE "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE" OFF THE BOOKS
2. NRB ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO FAIRNESS RULING
3. FRESH DOWNGRADE THREAT TO U.S. DEBT
4. FED WILL BUY $50 BILLION OF TREASURYS IN FINAL QE2 PUSH
5. RECENT TORNADOES' COST: $7 BILLION IN ONE WEEK IN MAY
6. U.S. GREEN CARD LOTTERY SCRUTINIZED AFTER BLUNDER
7. OBAMA'S HOMOSEXUAL YOUTH AGENDA
8. GATES SAYS NATO ERA OVER
9. DOJ: CYBER ATTACKS CAN COUNT AS ACTS OF WAR
10. "DOOMSDAY PLANE" WOULD SAVE PRESIDENT IN APOCALYPSE SCENARIO
11. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE MAY STRONGLY SHAPE GOP RACE
1. FCC AGREES TO TAKE "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE" OFF THE BOOKS
Under GOP pressure, the Federal Communications Commission has agreed to strike from its books an outdated yet still controversial regulation of political speech on the airwaves known as the Fairness Doctrine.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a letter to a House Republican leader this week that the agency's effort to identify and eliminate "antiquated and outmoded rules that unnecessarily burden business, stifle investment and innovation, or confuse consumers and licensees" will include a recommendation to delete the Fairness Doctrine. (Fox News)
- Thank You, Lord for this beginning of victories against those who seek to silence free speech in America! We bind up any attempts to revive this doctrine from liberals in Congress, and pray your blessing and protection over the plan to delete it.
- "There are many devices in a man's heart, but nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
2. NRB ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO FAIRNESS DOCTRINE RULING
NRB is delighted with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's announcement this week that he supports deleting the Fairness Doctrine from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). "Since 2003, NRB has been warning Congress that the Fairness Doctrine was not dead, and if ever revived it would be the death knell of religious broadcasting," said Dr. Frank Wright, NRB President & CEO. "NRB has long opposed this pernicious rule, which enabled the FCC to compel broadcasters to air opposing viewpoints on controversial issues that the government decided to be of public importance. Yet reasonable people from every political persuasion agree that the Fairness Doctrine is an idea whose time has long since passed. The fundamental objective of the First Amendment is to protect the free marketplace of ideas from interference by the government itself. Our nation's religious liberties are far too fragile, and too precious, to be left at the mercy of a government bureaucracy. With the much needed action by the FCC, the next critical step in the defense of free speech rests with the Congress. The passage of the Broadcaster Freedom Act will ensure that no future FCC administration will abridge free speech by reinstating another fairness doctrine-type regulation."
"It is encouraging news that the FCC Chairman is willing to call for the removal of the long-abandoned and totally discredited 'Fairness Doctrine' rule, including all of its subparts, from the Code of Federal Regulations," added Craig Parshall, NRB Sr. Vice President & General Counsel. "The failure to have removed it by now appears to have been be an anomaly, but it continued to fuel justified suspicions that the free-speech-strangling rule was not really dead after all. We look forward to the Chairman launching an immediate Commission action to make his intent official. We also urge Chairman Genachowski to advise House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) on the timetable for this important technical correction. Protection of First Amendment rights requires that the FCC act with all deliberate speed." (Press Release: National Religious Broadcasters) Read more.
- As watchmen on the wall, and as citizens of this great nation, we must all be careful to "discern the times." America has now unofficially moved into its next election cycle -- the debate in New Hampshire tonight among possible Republican candidates is one sign of this fact. Hence, we must all be wise to discern any hidden agendas by this administration, as certain matters come to light. Pray that the voters will have wisdom and, in this case, pray too that the FCC will honor its word in this ruling so that all technical details are under control. Pray!
- "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." (Eccl. 12:13,14)
3. FRESH DOWNGRADE THREAT TO U.S. DEBT
A third rating agency threatened to downgrade the U.S. government's credit status if Congress failed to increase the nation's borrowing limit by early August, increasing pressure on lawmakers and the Obama administration to reach a deficit-reduction deal.
Warnings that the United States is playing chicken with a debt default came thick and fast Wednesday, but in Washington politicians appeared no closer to avoiding the unthinkable. (Wall Street Journal, AFP)
- Lord, we know that the United States sits on the edge of a Humpty-Dumpty fall. It seems inevitable that we collapse into disaster - except that You are our Hope in the midst of trouble. Father, our nation has sinned against You in uncountable ways, and that, too, seems unstoppable. And yet we continue to praise Your Mighty Name and place our trust in You for mercy.
- "I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
4. FED WILL BUY $50 BILLION OF TREASURYS IN FINAL QE2 PUSH
The flood of Federal Reserve money that has supported Wall Street and the rest of the U.S. economy for two and a half years will shrink to a trickle with the conclusion of the Fed's bond purchases announced Friday. The Fed said it will buy $50 billion of Treasurys, the final series of government bond purchases that marks the last phase of the $600 billion program it launched in November 2010 to prevent another recession. (CNBC.com)
- Of course, this flood of Treasury bonds has caused inflation and subsequent rises in prices in items such as food. Please pray for hope for the American people. Cut off the people from panic and despair. Call forth the spirit of resiliency and courage that Americans are noted for. Call forth the spirit of ingenuity that Americans have used to meet many disasters in our history. Out of each catastrophe, Americans have discovered new inventions and new lessons. Ask the Lord to show us how to deal with this new challenge to our economy.
- "Say to those who are fearful-hearted, Be strong, do not fear: Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." (Isaiah 35:4)
5. RECENT TORNADOES' COST: $7 BILLION IN ONE WEEK IN MAY
Insurers may face U.S. storm claims of as much as $7 billion from a single week last month, led by costs from the tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, modeling firm AIR Worldwide said. (NewsMax)
- Father, unified prayer for our nation is the most powerful force to combat the sin that brings destruction. We cry out to God to save our nation, and souls to be converted and transformed by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In their dismay, bring the people to God. We ask, too, that You would restore unto us that which the locust has eaten: in mind, body and soul. May we find the supernatural strength to continue on, and may we trust You to show us the way. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "So mightily spread the Word of God and prevailed with power." (Acts 19:20)
6. U.S. GREEN CARD LOTTERY SCRUTINIZED AFTER BLUNDER
The State Department's Inspector General is reviewing the government's green-card lottery after this year's results were scratched and thousands of people who had been told they won a chance for a U.S. resident visa were later notified they would have to re-enter the drawing. A record 15 million people from around the world submitted entries to the so-called diversity visa program lottery, which each year offers a quick path to permanent U.S. residence for 50,000 people selected by random draw.
In early May, the State Department notified 22,000 people that they were chosen. But soon after, the State Department said the electronic draw would have to be held again because a computer glitch caused 90% of the winners to be selected from the first two days of applications instead of the entire 30-day registration period. Disappointed applicants, who hail from the Middle East, Africa and Europe, created a Facebook page dubbed "22,000 Tears" and began collecting signatures for letters to the State Department and U.S. lawmakers in protest.
Critics say the program poses security risks, lures uneducated immigrants and enables individuals with no connection to the U.S. to get into the country more quickly than those sponsored by relatives and employers. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R., Va.) has introduced legislation to abolish it. (Wall Street Journal) Read more.
- Pray that Rep. Goodlatte's legislation passes!
- " . . . if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
7. OBAMA'S HOMOSEXUAL YOUTH AGENDA
On Monday, early in what President Obama has proclaimed "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressed the first ever "Federal LGBT Youth Summit," saying the Obama administration is committed to making sure all LGBT youth 'reach their full potential.'" Sebelius was introduced by Pam Hyde, an HHS administrator and open lesbian. She said Sebelius "gets us" and is "tireless" in her support: "Your federal government has finally come out of the closet in support of LGBT youth...It's great to see so many young faces out there, all gay and proud." Speaking about the higher levels of depression among homosexuals, Sebelius said, "We know these behaviors are not the result of who these young people are [but] what's happening to them."
Secretary Sebelius also announced creation of a new federal interagency taskforce to partner the Departments of HHS, Education, Agriculture, Defense, Interior and Justice to develop strategies and programs to fight bullying. She said the new national health law will make health care workers "culturally competent" to deal with LGBT patients and that HHS is working with the federal child welfare system to "place LGBT children in loving homes." Homosexual activist and Department of Education appointee Kevin Jennings served as moderator of the event. The U.S. Department of Education sponsored the summit. (FRC Prayer Targets; CNSnews.com) Read more.
- May God help us to not to "bully" anyone, but to graciously yet urgently speak the truth in love to young people who are hurting themselves with the "LGBT" lifestyle. May believers across America not be "bullied" by our government's efforts to promote harmful and sinful sexual practices among our youth and instead determine to stand courageously against these misguided efforts which can only lead to God's judgment!
- "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)
8. GATES SAYS NATO ERA OVER
When your alliance crumbles, who are your allies? In his final days as Secretary of Defense under Barack Obama, Robert Gates made it very clear that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was failing. Speaking of Libya he said, "The mightiest military alliance in history is only 11 weeks into an operation against a poorly armed regime in a sparsely populated country, yet many allies are beginning to run short of munitions, requiring the U.S., once more, to make up the difference." Gates said most nations in the alliance do not meet the funding or manpower requirements and that he doubts Congress, facing escalating debt, will be willing to continue to be the backbone of NATO. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Father, just as SEATO joined its final pages in history, to the extent that NATO has met the end of its usefulness, we ask You to conclude that alliance as it fits Your glory.
- "So the LORD gave great wisdom to Solomon just as he had promised. And Hiram and Solomon made a formal alliance of peace." (1 Kings 5:12)
9. DOJ: CYBER ATTACKS CAN COUNT AS ACTS OF WAR
The Pentagon has concluded that computer sabotage coming from another country can constitute an act of war, a finding that for the first time opens the door for the U.S. to respond using traditional military force. The Pentagon's first formal cyber strategy, unclassified portions of which are expected to become public next month, represents an early attempt to grapple with a changing world in which a hacker could pose as significant a threat to U.S. nuclear reactors, subways or pipelines as a hostile country's military. In part, the Pentagon intends its plan as a warning to potential adversaries of the consequences of attacking the U.S. in this way. "If you shut down our power grid, maybe we will put a missile down one of your smokestacks," said a military official. (Fox News) Read more.
- Father, You are the God of radar and all technology. We ask you to go before its use in our military. Clearly define its mission and its relationship to our foreign relations.
- "From twenty years old and above--all who are able to go to war in Israel." (Numbers 1:3)
10. "DOOMSDAY PLANE" WOULD SAVE PRESIDENT IN APOCALYPSE SCENARIO
Modified 747 can Defend Against Nuclear and Electromagnetic Attacks
In the event of nuclear war, a powerful meteor strike or even a zombie apocalypse, the thoroughly protected doomsday plane is ready to keep the president, secretary of defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff and other key personnel in the air and out of danger. It may not deflect a Twitter photo scandal, but it can outrun a nuclear explosion and stay in the air for days without refueling.
The flight team for the E-4B, its military codename, sleeps nearby and is ready to scramble in five minutes. It was mobilized in the tumultuous hours after planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and southern Pennsylvania on 9/11.
"If the command centers that are on the ground in the United States have a failure of some sort, or attack, we immediately get airborne. We're on alert 24/7, 365," Captain W. Scott "Easy" Ryder, Commander, NAOC, told ABC News' Diane Sawyer as she traveled to Afghanistan with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on the apocalypse-proof plane. "Constantly there's at least one alert airplane waiting to get airborne." (ABC News) Read more.
- Father, we thank You for institutions and systems to protect our systems of government and the people whom You have placed in those offices. We ask You to preserve what You have started.
- "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
11. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE MAY STRONGLY SHAPE GOP RACE
Tonight's Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire, the site of the second primary battleground early next year, has the potential to shape the race for the GOP nomination to take on pro-abortion President Barack Obama. The debate - the second in the primary election campaign but the first to feature most of the top names of people running or considering a run for the nomination - has the potential to answer key questions that will decide the future of the campaign. The first and most immediately question is whether former Speaker Newt Gingrich will be able to soldier on with a campaign after the mass exodus last week of more than a dozen high-level staffers. The former Gingrich staff told various media outlets that the former congressman was not interested in the normal kind of retail politicking required of candidates in states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina necessary to attract voters. (LifeNews) Read more.
- The Presidential campaign is heating up, with a Republican debate in New Hampshire tonight. Pray for the debaters tonight, especially that the truth of who they are and what they represent will come out. Again, pray for supernatural revelation of who these people are, and what they really represent, to become clear to all of America. (Submitted by Mark Williamson, Federal Intercessors)
- "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." (Eccl. 12:13,14)
More News From the Hill
For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ALL GRACE (Ehlohay Ha-Khesek)
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Peter 5:10)
Dear God,
I know that You are waiting for me at the finish line of this trial. As I persevere, thank You for perfecting and establishing me in Messiah. Thank You, Lord, for always bringing me through victoriously. Thank You that success is not dependent on my strength, but my reliance of Your strength and Your grace. How lovely is Your name, O God of Grace.
(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)
