Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, August 2, 2013
"And He said, 'My presence shall go with you,
and I will give you rest.'" (Exodus 33:14)
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> > > Both the House and the Senate have now gone into recess for their Summer District Work Period, returning the day after Labor Day. While members are working in their home districts, this is an excellent opportunity to pay them a visit in their district offices, and to share your own views on issues that interest you. Thank you.
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The Daily Brief
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1. Worldwide Travel Alert for All Americans Issued by State Department - Breaking Christian News
"Current information suggests that al-Qa'ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August." - US State Department Travel Alert
Former UN ambassador for the US, John Bolton, noted that the alert indicates "pretty good information" about a threat. Americans are warned in the alert of the possibility of terrorist attacks on various systems of transit and "tourist infrastructure." According to the FOX News report, a senior State Department official said, "We have instructed all U.S. embassies and consulates that would have normally been open on Sunday to suspend operations, specifically on August 4. It is possible we may have additional days of closing as well."
- Father, we thank You for making these threats known, so Americans can, and, hopefully, will, be cautious in their routines in these countries affected by these threats. We ask for wisdom, both for our citizens who live there right now, and for the government agencies who are investigating these threats. We ask You to reveal the plans of the enemy and neutralize those plans. We thank You that You are our Refuge and our Hiding Place, no matter where we are at any given time. We thank You for giving us "common sense", and pray that all may avail themselves of it. Thank you for Your presence with us in all circumstances. In Your Name, Amen.
- "Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans suceed. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 140:8,Psalm 90:12)
2. US Embassies to Shut Down Sunday Due to Terror Threat - The Times of Israel
Diplomatic posts across Middle East and Asia, including Israel, will be closed for the day because of al-Qaeda-related warnings.
US embassies and consulates across the Middle East and Asia---including in Israel---will be closed on Sunday due to an al-Qaeda-related terror threat, officials said Thursday. She added that the closures may be extended, "depending on our analysis". Messages alerting US citizens of the closures went out in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, according to the report. (Read more)
- Offer praise that, in light of the credible intelligence warnings now being received by our government, the State Department IS securing our embassies in dangerous zones, and bringing our personnel home. Praise the Lord.
- "And He said, 'My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (Exodus 33:14)
3. President Obama Celebrates His Birthday on Sunday. August 4 - Wikipedia
Ironically, just when the world is going on a global terror alert and the American embassies throughout the Middle East are closing . . . Barack Hussein Obama will celebrate his 52nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
- In repentance for our sins, ask our Lord to intervene over all terror alerts issued for this Sunday, bringing peace. We praise our King of Kings, knowing that He, indeed, rules over the nations!
- "For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:28)
4. Diplomat: Obama approved intelligence leaks on Israeli air strikes in Syria - World Tribune
The U.S. intelligence community leaked information on Israeli air strikes on Syria, sources said. Diplomats said the administration of President Barack Obama has enabledthe intelligence community to disclose Israeli military operations against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. They said the leaks included unreported Israeli air and naval strikes on advanced Iranian and Russian weapons that arrived in 2013.
- Abba, we are grieved that this administration has worked to undermine Israel, and we ask for Your forgiveness. We repent on behalf of our president for his "anti-Israel" bias, and his affinity for her enemies. We ask that You would reveal Yourself to him, and that You would give him a "holy awe" of You. May he come to know You as his Savior and Redeemer, we pray. We thank You for Your watch-care over Israel, and we ask that You not hold this sin of betrayal against us as a nation. Amen.
- "Then he kneeled down and shouted out, 'Lord! Don't hold this sin against them!'" (Acts 7:59)
5. Bombshell Report on Benghazi Attack Alleges CIA Cover-Up - CNN
CNN in a bombshell report alleging that the spy agency has been subjecting its employees to unusually frequent polygraph tests in an attempt to keep its operations in Libya a secret. According to the news outlet's unnamed sources, the purpose of the almost monthly examinations is to reveal possible leaks to Congress or the media.
CNN reports that as many as 35 Americans were on the ground in Benghazi at the time of the attack, 21 of whom were working in a building known as "the annex" that is believed to be run by the CIA. Exactly what they were doing there remains a mystery, and it appears that the agency is going to great lengths to keep it that way.
- LORD, we thank You that You are continuing to reveal the things done in secret, and we ask that You would shine Your light upon this situation, that the truth will come forth and be known by those who need to know. We thank You for Your promise to "shout from the rooftops those things whispered in an enclosed room". We ask that righteousness would come forth out of this investigation. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "The work of each one will become known (shown for what it is); for the day will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. If the work which any person has built on this Foundation (any product of his efforts) survives this test, he will get his reward." (I Corinthians 3:13,14 AMP)
6. House issues subpoenas to get Benghazi documents from State Department - Washington Times
As they prepared to head home for summer vacation, House Republicans fired off three subpoenas Thursday seeking more information from the State Department on the terrorist attack last year in Benghazi, Libya, and on the science the Environmental Protection Agency used to impose new clean air regulations.
- Father, we ask for the success of these subpoenas to obtain documents from the State Department relative to the Benghazi incident. We ask that all efforts to continue this cover-up would fail, and that the truth will emerge and prevail, and cause effective changes to protect our citizens on foreign soil. Amen.
- "And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts. And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." (John 8:32;Psalm 51:)
7. Obama reassures Democrats on Health Care, Immigration - Fox News
President Obama sought to calm jittery Democrats Wednesday as they prepared to head home to face voters, assuring them they're "on the right side of history" despite problems with the launch of his massive health care overhaul and an immigration fight with Republicans.
- Abba, again we ask that You would speak to all the members of Congress, that they would remember their oaths of office, and serve the peoples' best interests. We come against personal pride and arrogance that seems to pervade politics. As these Senators and Representatives face their constituents, we ask that they would listen to them, and truly represent their interests, rather than to advance their own positions. We ask that they be given a "holy" fear and awe of You, and may they realize their ultimate accountability, not only to their constituents, but also to You. Amen.
- "I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people, His faithful servants--but let them not turn to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land." (Psalm 85:8,9)
8. Moslems Around the World Enter into the "Night of Power" Tomorrow Night
About the "Night of Power" - Muslims are often encouraged to stay awake during the entire night, and pray for blessings and forgiveness. This is one moment of the year when Muslims have a bit more confidence that God will hear and act on their behalf. According to tradition, Mohammed is supposed to have said:
"Whoever prays during the Night of Power with faith and hoping for its reward will have all his previous sins forgiven." (Read more)
- Clearly, the tensions that are now increasing across the globe are related to this intense time on the Moslem calendar, when some even go into a sort of "frenzy' as they cry out all night in the mosque, looking for god. Please consider the prayer strategies, below, on behalf of the people of Islam around the world this weekend.
1) Consider setting this night aside
(i.e., Saturday night) as an all night prayer time with your church or mission
group. Look for ways to make your time of prayer varied and interesting. For
example: Flags, photographs, maps, posters, video documentaries will all add
lots of interest and give you ideas to pray for.
2) As you pray during this night, pray for issues such as Muslim leaders and governments, Muslim families and children. Pray for increased numbers of missionaries and workers, and pray for new believers (1 Timothy 2:1).
3) Pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to the many Muslims who will seek God tonight.
2) As you pray during this night, pray for issues such as Muslim leaders and governments, Muslim families and children. Pray for increased numbers of missionaries and workers, and pray for new believers (1 Timothy 2:1).
3) Pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to the many Muslims who will seek God tonight.
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King."
(Proverbs 15:29)
1. The Israeli Government Has Surrendered the Temple Mount - Arutz Sheva
In an "unprecedented" move, police on Wednesday informed Jewish groups that the Temple Mount will be closed to all non-Muslims until at least the end of Ramadan, on 11th August. The announcement has provoked renewed anger over anti-Jewish discrimination on the Temple Mount, and sparked calls by activists for a mass-protest on 7th August, at the start of the Hebrew month of Elul.
2. Jerusalem of gold, and all the colors of the rainbow - Times of Israel
The 12th annual Jerusalem Pride Parade took place Thursday afternoon, with thousands of participants marching through the city streets, waving rainbow flags and vibrantly chanting slogans.
3. New Israeli database aims to unveil the secret of why people undergo religious conversions - Ha'aretz
Faith? Love and marriage? Economic or political considerations? Coercion? For as long as there have been different religions around, says Chaim Hames, chair of the history department at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, there have been those who -- for whatever reason -- have sought to switch from one to another.
4. US general already working on security aspects of future Israeli-Palestinian accord - Jerusalem Post
The Israeli-Palestinian negotiations may have only just begun, but US Gen. John Allen is already on the ground working on security arrangements that might be part of a future agreement, a senior US official said Wednesday.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)
1. Christian Lawyer in Pakistan Faces Death Threats for Disagreeing with Blasphemy Law - BosNewsLife
A prominent Christian rights lawyer who has been on the run in Pakistan amid death threats asked fellow believers Thursday, August 1, to pray for his family after armed Islamic militants discovered a hiding address.
Sardar Mushtag Gill told BosNewsLife that six men, some of them carrying guns, on Monday, July 29, visited a family home in the Pakistani city of Lahore where his younger brother opened the door. "They were members of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, the Islamic group that killed the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, Salman Taseer, and Christian federal minister Shahbaz Bhatti in 2011 because they criticized Pakistan's blasphemy laws," he said.
"They told my brother they want to meet me, but I am sure they really wanted to kill me. They made that clear in letters I received," added Gill, who managed to escape. "The militants wrote that 'those who support a blasphemer must die'," he recalled.
2. Open Season on Christians in Nigeria - Christian Post
The pastor met with lawmakers to seek aid in combating Islamic groups that have been continuously attacking Christian communities throughout the past few years. The attacks have come particular in the northern part of the country where Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram are on a mission to fully Islamize Nigeria.
CAN's president told lawmakers that the most troubling development is that Islamists have begun targeting not only churches, but also schools - firing into classrooms when children are in attendance.
This is because "Islamists have declared all schools except those teaching Islam illegal, and Boko Haram is intent on enforcing that law, as well as others drawn from Sharia Islamic law."
"It is open season on Nigeria's Christians," Oritesejafor told the legislators.
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
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A Big Crack In Benghazi Stonewall
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A Big Crack In Benghazi Stonewall
There has been a major new development in the "phony" Benghazi scandal, as President Obama calls it.
Without the tenacity of Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), the Benghazi scandal would likely have been forgotten long ago. But like a junk yard dog, Rep. Wolf has refused to let go of the story. His efforts were partially vindicated last night by the liberals at CNN.
According to CNN's report, there were as many as 35 Americans in Benghazi when the attacks occurred, including 21 who were working at the CIA annex. As we already know, some of them were wounded in the firefight and have not been allowed to tell their stories.
This scandal is not only about the horror of that night, but the continued abuse the survivors are enduring from the Obama Administration. These individuals are being subjected to monthly polygraph tests to make sure they are not talking to anyone, including members of Congress.
As intimidating as this must be, obviously somebody is talking at great personal risk. One source told CNN, "You don't jeopardize yourself, you jeopardize your family as well."
This "phony scandal" involves not only the malfeasance of the Obama Administration in not protecting our people on the ground, but also the reason why we had so many people on the ground. Whatever that reason is, the administration desperately does not want them talking about it.
There is a rumor that the Obama Administration was involved in gun running -- transferring weapons from Libya to the Syrian rebels. Could Benghazi become Obama's Iran-Contra scandal?
The CNN report is a huge crack in the administration's stonewalling efforts. Now is the time to ratchet up the pressure.
Rep. Wolf has introduced a resolution calling for a select committee with special powers to investigate this scandal. More than 160 of his House colleagues, all Republicans, have signed on as co-sponsors. Democrats are refusing to cooperate.
What I can't understand is why the Republican leadership has so far resisted Rep. Wolf's call for a select committee. I hope this extraordinary CNN report will lead them to reconsider and galvanize the public to demand answers. (Gary Bauer)
> > > Please pray for protection for Congressman Frank Wolf, his wife, and all others who are beginning to come forward to reveal new facts about the disaster at Benghazi. (Psalm 91)
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Prayers During Ramadan
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"The Night of Power" --
Many find the Messiah Jesus this night
For Saturday August 3, Ramadan 2013 - Day 26.
"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"
Recall that many Muslims are open to the supernatural at this time. Some will expect angels to grant special requests. Others expect an angel to make a proclamation for the coming year. Muslim women hope they can conceive after praying this night. Men hope for healing and spiritual power. But most importantly, many Muslims will be genuinely seeking help from God and open to a personal touch from Him.
PRAYER IDEAS
Lord, we remember those who are genuinely seeking Your help. May You give them the help they need via the Messiah, Jesus (Psalm 34:18; Zechariah. 9:9).
Pray that those working among Muslims would have special opportunities to share the Good News at this time.
Lord, we know Your hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor is Your ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear. Reach out your arm, Lord, and reveal sin and Your salvation (Isaiah 59:1; 52:10).
Pray against the powers of darkness that would seek to lead Muslims into deception (Ephesians 6:12; Psalm 44:4-7).
For more information on the Night of Power, go here.
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Victory for Anti-Porn Movement
Army, Air Force to Remove Adult Magazines from Bases
Two branches of the U.S. military announced Tuesday that they will remove sexually explicit publications from their base exchanges.
This comes just one day after the Department of Defense (DoD) claimed such magazines, including Playboy and Penthouse, are permitted on military installations. The department, responding to a complaint from Morality in Media (MIM), said these magazines do not meet the federal definition of indecency.
"Good thing the Army and Air Force understand what 'sexually explicit' means," said MIM Executive Director Dawn Hawkins. (CitizenLink) Read more.
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Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are!
Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
Great Is The Lord!
Prestonwood Baptist Church Choir
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King."
