On Watch in Washington
Prayer Alert
September 3, 2008
Today’s Topics:
Join Us for First Friday Prayer & Fasting
New Storms Move Toward U.S.
President Proclaims National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
Countdown to Election Day
War Against Islamic Fascism Hits College Campuses
Teen Suicide Rate Remains Disturbingly High
Prayer Calendar
Joint Prayer Meeting Across America
Cry Out America
eBookstore Specials!
40 DAYS USA
Jerusaelm is on the Chopping Block
JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 5 FOR FIRST FRIDAY PRAYER & FASTING
PRAYER FOCUS
TOP U.S. OFFICIALS - Use the IFA Top 120 Officials bookmark (available
on the "Current Prayer Guides" page at IFA's Web site: Prayer Calendars)
and intercede as the Lord leads for President Bush, Vice President
Cheney, the Cabinet and Administration, the Supreme Court, and the 110th
Congress as it reconvenes after Labor Day.
Intercede for wisdom and a biblical posture regarding foreign policy
toward Israel and the Middle East. Intercede for cooperation between the
Bush Administration and Congress to pass God-appointed and necessary
legislation in the midst of national elections.
ELECTIONS - In 69 days U.S. voters will elect a President and Vice
President, an entire House of Representatives, one third of the Senate,
scores of state and local officials, and vote on important marriage and
other referenda. Intercede for mercy and good government, and that
Christians take time to examine candidates, positions and issues on the
basis of biblical truth, virtue, and character.
Affirm the sovereignty of Christ (Ps 75:7; Col 1:9-20; Rev 1:5) over all
candidates, debates, and campaigns. Intercede that godly local, state
and national pro-life, and traditional family candidates be granted
resources, workers, media exposure, and favor with voters.
EVANGELISM - Offer thanksgiving to the Lord for exhibiting mercy, grace,
and redemption in the midst of natural disasters, economic hardships,
and political turmoil. Intercede that the Lord use the severity and
judgments in this season to open and prepare hearts for the gospel and
the reception of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Intercede for
anointing upon all who are called as evangelists and upon all forms of
local church and mass evangelism underway across the U.S. and worldwide.
Pray for fruitful Internet evangelism, Bible study, and discipleship.
WISDOM OF GOD - Offer thanksgiving that in Christ "are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3) Pray for an outpouring of
the Holy Spirit across America which will release the "wisdom from
above" and the instruction that we and our leaders so desperately need
in this time of division, confusion, and crisis. (James 3:17) Pray that
all men, women, children, and young adults across America will come to
"fear God" and desire to "gain a heart of wisdom." (Ps 111:10, 90:12)
NEW STORMS MOVE TOWARD U.S.
Hurricane Gustav now a tropical depression
Thanks be to God for His mercy! Praise God for having enabled public and
private agencies to be prepared for this and future storms. Praise God
for limiting property damage, and preventing loss of life. May God be
with those who did suffer loss. May relief and assistance efforts be as
successful as the evacuation efforts; and may God continue to provide
protection from coming storms. (Ps 106; 118; 136; Pr 22:3; 72:12-14; Is
25:4; 58:5-8; 1 Cor 3:15; Jn 10:10-11; 15:13)
People living along the coast of the Southeast crowded stores for
plywood and batteries as Tropical Storm Hanna headed toward Florida. The
tropical storm was due to hit the Bahamas today with 65-mph winds and up
to 10 inches of rain.
Forecasts show it strengthening to a Category 1 with winds of up to 95
mph and traveling along the eastern coast. Governors and emergency
management officials in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina
and Virginia have activated their emergency operations centers and
issued warnings to residents to watch and prepare for Hanna.
"Even if the storm does not make landfall in Georgia, Tropical Storm
Hanna may bring extensive flooding, tornadoes and power outages," said
Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ike, which was forecast to become a hurricane
today, and Tropical Storm Josephine are lined up behind Hanna. More
tropical storms could be on the way. (USA Today)
Hurricane Gustav - The Lord heard and answered the prayers of believers
across the nation and around the world as America watched Hurricane
Gustav make landfall, quickly weakening from level 3 (Katrina strength)
on its approach, to a level 2, then level 1, to tropical storm and, as
of early Tuesday morning, a tropical depression. Severe and costly
damage was done in some places, but so far reports are that only ten
American lives have been lost (nearly 100 were lost in the Caribbean).
While every loss of life is a tragedy, this is far less than what was
predicted by some experts.
New Orleans - Three years of labor and billions of dollars in work to
repair and strengthen the levees protecting New Orleans (half of which
is below sea level) paid off. Reports are that superb cooperation among
federal, state, and local authorities, churches, faith-based
organizations, charities and relief organizations made the nearly 2
million citizen evacuation and the safety effort much different than in
2005. (FRC Prayer Team 9/3/08)
PRESIDENT PROCLAIMS NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE
KILLED ON 9/11/01
Friday, September 5 through Thursday, September 11
President Bush has proclaimed Friday, September 5 through Thursday,
September 11 special days for prayer, remembrance and tribute to the
thousands of innocent Americans who were killed in 2001, when Islamist
terrorists took down both towers of the World Trade Center in New York
City, an airliner in Pennsylvania, and part of the Pentagon in
Arlington, Virginia. Had terrorists had their way, experts believe the
White House, the Capitol, or both would also have been hit.
The president wrote, "Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service
members, police officers, and firefighters who heroically responded in
the face of terror . . . we reflect on the terrible events
. . .and lift the victims and their families in our prayers."
The president also asks us to "pray for the safety and success of the
members of our Armed Forces now serving freedom's cause. We seek God's
grace on their families, and commit to Heaven's care those brave men and
women He has called home.
We ask the Almighty to watch over America and pray for His providence
and continued blessings on our country. May He always guide the United
States of America.
As we defend our country against its enemies, we pray for help in
protecting the gift of freedom from those who seek to destroy it, and we
ask the Almighty to strengthen all those securing liberty on distant
shores." Click here to read the entire proclamation
Lord, may we remember what took place on September 11, 2001, the cost to
our nation and to nearly 3000 families who lost loved ones. May neither
we, nor our nation's leaders grow forgetful or complacent in estimating
the threats posed against us. (Is 47:8-11; Ezek 33 Amos 6:1; Zeph
1:11-12; 1 Pet 5:8)
Above all, in this season of deciding who our next president and other
leaders will be, may we choose those men and women who will draw us
closer to you, who will honor your laws, so that Your hand of protection
and blessing can remain upon our land and we can fulfill our God-given
destiny in the earth. (Josh 24:15; 1 Sam 13:13-14; Ps 6:11-12; Acts
13:22)
2008 ELECTIONS
COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
"We have faith that every baby is created for good purposes and has
potential to make this world a better place." - Governor Sarah Palin
(From Gary Bauer, Campaign for Working Families 9/2/08) The media were
shocked by the announcement that Governor Sarah Palin's daughter,
Bristol, is pregnant. This news was not a surprise to Senator McCain,
who knew about it before he made his vice presidential selection.
The family's decision is a tribute to its pro-life values. Gov. Palin
and her family recently welcomed a child with Down syndrome into the
world. The overwhelming majority of Down children are aborted. What a
tremendous statement about the sanctity of life this will make to the
American people to see the vice president of the United States and her
family raise a child with special needs.
I believe the example being set by Bristol Palin is a testament to the
pro-life cause. Every family in America wrestles with parenting issues.
The Palin family is no exception. When our children make a mistake, we
don't want them to compound one mistake with another. They deserve our
prayers and support.
None of us claims to be perfect, and this is exactly what the pro-life
movement is about! As someone who helps to raise money for pregnancy
resource centers, I can say without any hesitation that this is why
pregnancy resource centers exist - to help mothers bring their babies
into the world with love and support.
Barack Obama has said that while he tries to teach the right values to
his daughters, he doesn't want them "punished with a baby." Sarah Palin
has said, "We have faith that every baby is created for good purposes
and has potential to make this world a better place." That's the
difference between the pro-life movement and the pro-abortion Democrats.
We welcome children into the world, while the other side sees them as
punishment.
PRO-LIFE INITIATIVES WHICH WILL APPEAR ON STATE BALLOTS IN NOVEMBER:
SOUTH DAKOTA - An Abortion Ban Initiative will appear on the November
2008 ballot in South Dakota as an initiated constitutional amendment. If
the state's voters approve it, the South Dakota Constitution will
henceforward ban all abortions in the state except for those performed
because of rape, incest or to protect the woman's health. Doctors who
perform an abortion in violation of this initiative's provisions could
be charged with a Class 4 felony, which in South Dakota carries a
maximum punishment of 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.
COLORADO - The Colorado Equal Rights Amendment, appearing on the ballot
in November, asks the voter, "Shall there be an amendment to the
Colorado constitution defining the term 'person' to include any human
being from the moment of fertilization as 'person' is used in those
provisions of the Colorado constitution relating to inalienable rights,
equality of justice, and due process of law?" The amendment defines a
fertilized egg as a person, even before being implanted in the uterus.
(Denver Post 6/2/08)
CALIFORNIA- Proposition 4, or the Abortion Waiting Period and Parental
Notification Initiative, also known to its supporters as Sarah's Law, is
an initiated amendment that will appear on the November 4, 2008 ballot
in California. It proposes a new amendment to the California
Constitution. The initiative would prohibit abortion for unemancipated
minors until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent, legal
guardian or, if parental abuse has been reported, an alternative adult
family member. (San Francisco Chronicle 5/30/08
WAR AGAINST ISLAMIC FASCISM HITS COLLEGE CAMPUSES
While America is finally winning the war in Iraq, the global effort
against the Islamic jihad goes on. In Afghanistan, the war with al-Qaeda
is still raging. In Gaza, Hamas continues to launch genocidal attacks
against Israeli towns.
Meanwhile, on American college campuses a coalition of organizations
connected to the jihad network demonizes America and Israel. This
coalition carries on its agendas of hate with the unwitting
collaboration of student governments and university administrations.
In October 2007, more than one hundred campuses hosted Islamo-Fascism
Awareness weeks to make university communities aware of the Islamist
threat and the danger it poses.
In April 2008 a second Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week focused on the
network created in America by the Muslim Brotherhood and that includes
the Muslim Students Association and the Council on American Islamic
Relations (CAIR).
This fall, during the week of October 13-17, students on more than 100
campuses will hold events under the banner of "Stop the Jihad on
Campus," a campaign designed to make the university community aware of
the support the Muslim Students Association, Students for Justice in
Palestine and other leftist groups provide for the jihadists' hatred and
agendas. (FrontPageMagazine.com 9/2/08) Click here to read more
TEEN SUICIDE RATE REMAINS DISTURBINGLY HIGH
The number of teen suicides has fallen slightly but the rate remains
disturbingly high, researchers said, possibly fueled by drug warnings
that have scared many from using antidepressants.
The suicide rate was about 4.5 per 100,000 in 2005, the most recent data
available. That follows an 18 percent spike the previous year that
alarmed experts when first reported.
Dr. David Fassler, a psychiatry professor at the University of Vermont,
said the report suggests a "very disturbing" upward trend that
correlates with a decline in teen use of antidepressants.
That decline stems from the Food and Drug Administration's 2004
black-box warning label because of reports that the drugs can increase
risks for suicidal tendencies. Patrick Tolan, director of the University
of Illinois-Chicago's juvenile research institute, said it will be
important to continue tracking teen suicides to see if the rate
continues to decline or hovers at a higher than expected level.
Regardless, suicide remains a leading cause of teen deaths and "a major
public health issue," he said. (AP 9/3/08)
PRAYER CALENDAR
September 1 - September 30
30 Days - Loving Muslims through Prayer
Change the world through prayer!
Be active: Change your own perspecitive on Muslims.
www.30-day.net
September 11
Cry Out America
http://www.awakeningamerica.us/
September 12-14
Family Research Council - Values Voter Summit
Register at 1-877-372-2808
September 24
See You at the Pole
http://www.syatp.com/home
September 26-November 4
40-Day Prayer Vigil
www.40daysUSA.org
October 5, 2008
Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
www.daytopray.com
November 2 (Sunday before elections)
National Prayer Force One
http://www.prayerforceone.com
Ongoing
24-Hour Worship and Prayer
www.ihop.org
www.Luke18Project.com
www.24-7prayer.us
www.campusamerica.org
Campus Renewal & Revival
www.campusrenewal.org
www.campustransformation.com
Praying Through The Window 9
Global terrorism, world religions, and lawless
regimes in the 10/40 Window.
www.win1040.com
Hollywood Prayer Network
http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/
WAR IN IRAQ | WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
U.S. TROOPS COULD LEAVE BAGHDAD SOON
Pray that wisdom and strategy be granted to U.S. commanders in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Intercede for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the Afghan
government, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (Kurdish), Prime Minister
Nouri al-Maliki (Shiite Muslim), the Parliament, and all officials that
a form of good government representative of all Iraqi and Afghan
socio-religious ethnic groups is established and maintained. Intercede
for all troops deployed and their families for protection, good health,
and morale. Pray for a hedge of protection over all Christians and
churches in both countries. (1 Tim 2:2)
General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said declining
violence in Baghdad raised the possibility that American combat troops
could leave the capital by next summer.
His comments come as the U.S. and Iraq hammer out the final details of a
long-term security agreement that reportedly outlines a potential
timeline for U.S. combat troops to leave Iraqi cities by next summer,
and the country by 2011.
"The number of attacks in Baghdad lately has been . . . less than five
[a day] on average, and that's a city of seven million people," said Gen
Petraeus. While declining to comment on the details of the security
agreement, Gen Petraeus said U.S. combat forces had already pulled back
from cities in 13 of Iraq's 18 provinces. The sight of U.S. soldiers
exiting Baghdad would be highly symbolic given the scale of violence
that gripped the city in 2006 and 2007.
Gen Petraeus leaves Iraq later this month to become head of Central
Command, which oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East, Central Asia
and the Horn of Africa. Before his departure, the four-star general will
give President Bush his final recommendation for troop levels as
commander in Iraq. He will continue to help shape policy on Iraq in his
new role. Overall, Gen Petraeus said Iraq was a "dramatically changed
country" from when he assumed command in February 2007. He said attacks
had plummeted from a daily rate of 180 in June 2007 to about 25
recently. (FT.com 9/3/08)
JOINT PRAYER MEETING ACROSS AMERICA
Afghanistan & Iraq
Revival in America
Saturday Morning, September 6, 2008
8 a.m. Eastern, 7 a.m. Central, 6 a.m. Mountain, 5 a.m. Pacific
Use the Conference Call Number & Access Code:
1-712-432-9998 & 526338#
(Alternate Number: 1-712-432-1690 & 399430#)
CRY OUT AMERICA, SEPTEMBER 11
Every State, Every County, Every Heart
Preparations for Cry Out America, a county by county prayer initiative
scheduled for
September 11, 2008 are gaining momentum. The Cry Out America addition to
the Awakening America website was recently launched. The Awakening
America Alliance is currently taking applications of those interested in
serving as a coordinator of this historic event in their county. If you
have a heart to see this nation and your county experience a Christ
awakening, please prayerfully consider participating in Cry Out America.
Click here for more information.
eBOOKSTORE SPECIALS!
New and recommended - all discounted
Recommended Daily Reading!
Set your heart on leading a life pleasing to God. Follw in Jesus'
footsteps along the path of humility and obedience. Humble yourself
daily beneath your sins and failings. then you will have God's approval,
which is all you need. Then you can be sure of His love and care. You
will know that your prayers will be answered, just as God has promised
to those who 'keep his commandments and do what pleases him.' 1 John
3:22
Excerpted with permission: M. Basilea Schlink, "More Precious Than Gold"
This beautiful devotional, recently published in English is now
available from IFA.
Order Item #B692, $8.95 + $3.50 Shipping. Credit card orders toll-free
1-800-872-7729 or via Click here to order.
Additional books by M. Basilea Schlink are also available:
*Repentance - The Joy-Filled Life
*Allah or the God of the Bible
*My All for Him
*Nature Out of Control?
*Building A Wall of Prayer
Pre-election Recommended Reading!
Prayer and action guide on examining 7 urgent issues regarding our
personal faith and public policies.
Balanced biblical studies to help you pray, prepare and participate in
the critical public policy areas outlined above. Hardcover, 247 pages.
ISBN 978-1-59979-261-3 Front Line, Strang. Order IFA Item #B689, $16.95
+ $3.50 shipping.
PERSONAL FAITH, PUBLIC POLICY
By Harry Jackson & Tony Perkins
PLEASE REMEMBER IFA IN YOUR PRAYERS AND
GIVING!
Free offer with donation: Receive these two historic volumes for any
direct donation of $30 or more or any $20 donation added to a book
order! (The fair market value of $5.00 for these two books must be
deducted from your contribution to our ministry in determing the
tax-deductible portion of your gift).
Both of these excellent compilations - "Under God," soft cover 382
pages, and "Living Under God," soft cover 263 pages - drawn from a
multitude of historic sources by DC Talk will renew you in your
under-standing and appreciation of America's Judeo-Christian
foundations.
Because of the economic recession, escalating gas, food, and electricity
costs, contributions to IFA and many ministries are down. Please know
that IFA needs your support at this time. You can send a check payable
to "IFA," earmarked "Under God," or you can easily make a credit card
donation by clicking here to use the eBookstore order form or by calling
toll-free 1-800-USA-PRAY (872- 7729). Thank you!
40 DAYS USA
September 26 - November 4, 2008
"Return, America, to the Lord your God." -Hosea 14:1
"God knows we need a revival, or else we may perish. Saving
non-Christians is crucial and right and good, but revival is a
deliberate turning back to God, a returning to God by His people in
repentance, brokenness, and grief over their sin and love of their
love-relationship with Him." - From "Return to Me" by Henry Blackaby
A Prayer Guide has been compiled as a courtesy by Intercessors for
America (www.ifapray.org) and Youth Interceding for America (www.yifa.org).
This prayer guide may be freely copied, posted and distributed.
http://www.40daysusa.com/40DaysUSA-PrayerCalendar-2008.pdf
See www.40daysUSA.com for prayer and fasting helps
REPORT: JERUSALEM IS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Please PRAY for ongoing ministry in Israel of indigenous evangelism,
planting Messianic congregations, discipleship training centers,
prophetic praise and prayer watches in Hebrew, and financial aid for the
needy.
According to top diplomatic sources, Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, who visited the region last week, pressed Israel to sign a
document by the end of the year that would include Jerusalem by offering
the Palestinians a state in Israel's capital city as well as in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
most Israelis and Americans, including the influential U.S. Jewish
community, are in the dark about the Jerusalem negotiations, allowing
the Israeli government to continue the virtual chopping up of Israel's
capital city without any major protest or distraction.
The U.S. government is heavily involved in the Jerusalem negotiation
process, offering the Israeli and Palestinian teams staged proposals on
how to split the holy city and pressing Israel to include pledges to
evacuate parts of Jerusalem in a document expected to be released before
January outlining a Palestinian state.
According to informed sources, Jerusalem talks are being held under
secretive conditions, with a small number of Israelis and Palestinians
on each negotiating team. The Israeli team is led by Olmert and Foreign
Minister Tzippy Livni, a front-runner for this month's leadership
primary in Olmert's Kadima Party. (WorldNetDaily, Aaron Klein 9/3/08)
At the IFA Website . . .
Christian Persecution
eBookstore
Monthly IFA Prayer Newsletter
First Friday Prayer Focus
Youth Interceding for America
On Watch In Washington Editorial Team:
Gary Bergel | Brian Miller | Cecelia Gleason | William Lee | Linda
Watkins
THE MISSION OF INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA:
Uniting Believers in Effective Prayer and Fasting for America
INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA
Purcellville, VA | 540-751-0980 | www.ifapray.org
THESE ALERTS MAY BE FREELY
TRANSMITTED VIA E-MAIL
Please credit Intercessors for America.