President Bush toured the ravaged streets of New Orleans with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Operations Chief Thad Allen earlier this week. Pray for the President and all local officials as they coordinate efforts at cleanup and recovery. Tuesday he said, "To the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility." Photo courtesy of the White House. |
Pray for President Bush as he manages one of the most stressful periods of his presidency including the situation in Iraq, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the observances of the September 11 terror attacks and a another appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Pray that God will be his constant comfort and strength, asking God to grant great wisdom, focus and energy to the President as he faces each day.
Pray for the President as he works with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ambassador Khalilzad praying for great breakthrough and victory there, as 190,000 Iraqis have been trained for the police and military forces and Iraqis are beginning to fight for themselves. Pray that the nation of Iraq will continue to be strengthened in its movement toward liberty and freedom for all its citizens.
Pray for the President as he continues to oversee relief and rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast region, praying that hope and normalcy will continue to be restored to all who have been so deeply impacted by this tragedy. Pray for R. David Paulison, newly appointed acting Director of FEMA as he seeks to strengthen government response in the future while responding to current needs that remain on the ground in the Gulf Coast region.
Pray for the President as he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the White House on September 16. The two leaders will discuss several bilateral and global issues including ways to broaden and deepen the U.S.-Russian partnership.
Pray for New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour as they now enter the long term recovery and rebuilding process for their areas. Pray for wisdom and strength for them and all those who serve under them, asking God to provide the resources and funds needed to do the job. Pray for all the agencies, volunteers, relief funds and government efforts to being help to those who need it most. Pray that a spirit of justice and fairness will guide.
Give thanks for the incredible and miraculous answers to untold numbers of prayers offered for the leaders, rescue workers and victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our nation has again shown its greatness as countless organizations from churches to faith-based ministries have stepped up, first with prayer and worship of Almighty God as well as untold forms of practical help.
Pray for Ambassador Karen Hughes, now sworn in as Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Ambassador for the same. Serving in the State Department under Secretary Rice, Ambassador Hughes will be helping strengthen communication between the U.S. and various Muslim entities. Pray for wisdom, protection and success in her efforts.
Pray for the members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee as they render a decision on the appointment of Judge John Roberts to the post of Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Pray for See You At The Pole, Wednesday, September 21 as students across America gather to pray for their schools, teachers and administrators. Pray that many students will be moved by this important event and pray for a mighty witness for God and His love to spread across every campus.
Pray for our troops as they continue to fight for freedom, supporting the changes for liberty in Iraq and helping to rebuild many areas of the Gulf Coast.
O righteous God, Who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
--The Bible, Psalm 7:9, 17 (NIV)
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
--The Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
Acting Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response—
R. David Paulison
Secretary of Homeland Security—
Michael Chertoff
Deputy Secretary of Defense—
Gordon England
National Security Advisor—
Stephen J. Hadley
Portrait courtesy of the National Archives. |
Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
--Abraham Lincoln, remarks upon leaving Springfield, IL, February 11, 1861.
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Just as what distorts our nation is caused by evil people, so creative solutions must come through good people in leadership at all levels of government. This is the time for renewed commitment to correct anything in our personal behavior which denigrates the American dream and to pray for our leaders to be courageous in social righteousness. There is a vital interrelationship between our prayers and America's future greatness. God wants to bless our land through the channels of our prayer. America's moral goodness and spiritual greatness and our success and prosperity are inseparable. America's untapped supernatural resource is the humble prayer of God's people for the President, the Congress and the leaders of our Nation. The greatest expression of patriotism is prayer!
--Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie
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Joni Eareckson Tada is the Honorary Co-Chair of PPT.
Joni and Friends is working to meet the unique needs of the elderly and disabled impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Like you, I have been shaken by the images of people with disabilities, especially children and the elderly, who are being carried on air mattresses or in the arms of their relatives! As with any natural disaster it is the weak and vulnerable who are hit the hardest.
As I write, Joni and Friends is mobilizing to provide wheelchairs and walkers to the elderly and disabled housed in Houston's Astrodome and other locations. Also, I want you to know we are networking with national and regional emergency response teams and Christian networks to give immediate and practical assistance to people with disabilities, especially children and the elderly. Thank God we have the capacity to 'make a difference' not only through our JAF field ministry teams, but our volunteers and church partners in the South.
Would you please join with us in praying for disabled people who are in distress and urgent need? May the Lord Jesus use us all to impart comfort and consolation. And may we all continue to lift up our awesome God as supreme and sovereign in the aftermath of this tragic storm.
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The Presidential Prayer Team is pleased to offer you an ongoing series of exclusive excerpts from One Nation Under God: The History of Prayer in America by James P. Moore, Jr. Slated for publication on November 1, 2005, the book is eagerly anticipated by Christian and secular markets alike. More information on One Nation Under God, including the PBS film and other future projects, can be found at www.1NUG.com.
This week's excerpt is fitting for the anniversary of both the September 11 terror attacks and The Presidential Prayer Team.
SEPTEMBER 11—PART 2
Once the terrorists had hit their targets, the horror only escalated in a thousand different ways. Back in Lower Manhattan, photographers and television cameramen were capturing people, leaping to their deaths from office floors high above rather than being incinerated alive from the flames. Some of the victims jumped together, holding one another's hands as they did so.
Read more.
PPT's cadre of dedicated volunteers, the PPT Ambassadors, has swung into action to garner continued prayer for the recovery and victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Discipler Ambassadors are contacting the Ambassadors in their regions, urging them to participate in Friday's Virtual Prayer Rally, in some cases leading groups with members of their personal prayer teams. Additionally, some Ambassadors are organizing community based prayer gatherings.
Ambassador Terry Gibson of Louisville, KY reports, "Most of my team has signed up on the PPT website and we are scheduled to meet Friday night and pray, including the action items for reaching one million people to pray for the President."
Ambassador Dr. Kaye Skinner of Phoenix, AZ says she will meet online with leaders of her team on Friday morning, praying together via the Internet. She will also fly to meet with her son, Michel, spending evening hours in prayer. Kaye also reports that she will send out an email reminder to friends and family who are not currently on her team.
Ambassador Jeff Wealand of Glendale, AZ will send out emails to remind other Ambassadors to devote special time to prayer on Friday.
Ambassador Wiley Drake of Buena Park, CA is telling others about a series of meetings at his church throughout the day Friday. The church will be open for personal prayer in the morning and will host a public service of prayer for the nation in the afternoon.
An Air Force Chaplain conducts a Catholic Mass at the Naval Air Station New Orleans, LA last Sunday. Department of Defense units were mobilized to help support FEMA's disaster relief efforts in the Gulf Coast areas, and chaplains faithfully serve the religious needs of troops wherever they go. Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense. |
Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for Jessica. She has left the Army and divorced her husband. Pray for him as he serves in Iraq. He was scheduled for leave in August and the flights have been cancelled. He also had a biopsy done and does not have the pathology report and is having complications.
Shawna flew into Bagdad International recently. Their plane was narrowly missed by mortar fire just seconds before touchdown. Thanks so much for all your prayers. Shawna writes: I get to walk everywhere I go with all of my stuff on. I am estimating it all weighs around 60 pounds. The body armor we wear is a real beast. [Shawna weighs about 120 lbs] It has 8 pounds worth of plates for the front and the back. On top of that the vest is protective even without the plates and weighs around 25-30 pounds. I miss everyone. It really isn't bad at this base.
Zeke is doing well. He returned to Iraq a few weeks ago for another seven month tour of duty. He is stationed in Fallujah. His family has talked to him and he is doing fine, working very hard. He says the conditions there are better than first time he was there. Please pray for his safety and the safety of his fellow Marines.
Zane will be traveling home soon and requests prayers for safe return and to acclimate back to family. Prayers for approval of retirement.
Zak is in Mosul. His unit has lost two soldiers since deploying December 6. They were sent to secure elections and are scheduled to return before July. Thank you for your prayer and support. Please pray for the his safe return as well as all the White Falcons. |
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Photo courtesy of the White House. |
President Bush has called for a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance this Friday, September 16. We are providing two ways to be involved, and we encourage you to commit to this very special day of intercession and support.
Virtual Prayer Rally
First, you can participate via the PPT Virtual Prayer Rally. Pray in the privacy of your home, pray with friends in your neighborhood, pray with people at your church. However you choose to pray, you'll know that you are joining with thousands of likeminded intercessors at any hour.
Those who have participated in the past speak of how meaningful it was to them both as intercessors and as Americans. Hover HERE to read their comments.
Click HERE to register for the Virtual Prayer Rally.
Click HERE to read the President's Declaration of a Day of Prayer
Join in a Daylong Prayer Teleconference
Second, you can participate via the Greater Calling Prayer Conference Call from 7:00 am-12:00 am Eastern Daylight Time. Gather with other intercessors from around the country by dialing 605-990-0231 and 605-990-0232 and entering any of the following passcodes: 7729#, 77291#, 77292#, 77293#, 77294#, 77295#, 77296# or 77297#. These numbers are reserved exclusively for PPT members. If you get a busy signal, enter the next passcode. If all lines are busy, call at another time of day. Long distance charges may apply.
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Hope Returns
What turmoil our nation has seen over the past several weeks. Our hearts have broken as we've watched the tragic scenes from the Gulf Coast, and we've been encouraged and blessed at the dedication and sacrifice of so many citizens giving aid to strangers, rescuing people from the floodwaters and emptying their pockets to help. The news has brightened, hope is returning and God's people are responding with extraordinary acts of charity and kindness.
I am also encouraged because throughout this time, Americans have continued to pray. Acknowledging that our reliance on God and His strength is our best and most lasting hope, we have together turned to the source of all strength and help.
Pray This Friday
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Washington National Cathedral. |
And now, President Bush has asked us to join with him across our great nation, again uniting our hearts in prayer. I will be attending the service of Prayer and Remembrance in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. (see photo), and hope you will make a point of participating in some way, particularly through our Virtual Prayer Rally.
Four Years of Faithful Prayer for America
Somehow, it seems appropriate that as our nation stares down another national tragedy, we are observing the fourth anniversary of The Presidential Prayer Team. This effort arose in the difficult days following September 11, 2001, and has brought millions of Americans together to lift in prayer the President, his cabinet, our nation and the Armed Forces. We've helped to create a culture of prayer and faith in this great nation at a time when many had nearly forgotten the Christian roots from which this country began.
Send Your Anniversary Greetings
If PPT has helped you find help, strength, inspiration or encouragement to pray, we'd love to hear from you. We invite you to send your Anniversary greetings or comments to us HERE. And I thank you in advance for your continued support and steadfast commitment to prayer. It is you, our faithful members who make PPT the truly unique ministry that it is.
Enroll A Million
If you've been a PPT member for the last four years, you experienced the wave of enthusiasm and emotion that helped swell our ranks during the early days of this effort. People shared the news about PPT with one another, emailing their friends and family. Thousands joined daily, day after day, and myriad prayers were offered and answered.
Now it is time to grow the ranks again. We have set a bold and daring goal, and we are confident we can reach this goal with your help and support. We are seeking to add 1 million new members to the team in the coming months! Please consider what you can do to help us meet this goal.
If each PPT member enlisted just a few friends, we would meet and surpass the goal quickly. Please take a moment to consider who you can invite to join PPT right now. We must continue to strengthen our country through prayer, continuing to hold back the evil that so eagerly crouches at the door. Please consider how you might help.
Radio Interview
And let me invite you to a special interview I gave to radio hostess Linda Goldfarb. You can access the interview on Saturday September 17 from 8-9am Central Time by going to www.notjusttalkinthetalk.com. Click on the radio page and scroll down to the "listen now" tab. I hope you'll join me for this important conversation on prayer for the nation.
President Bush greets a woman during a visit to a hurricane assistance center in Gulfport, MI earlier this week. Photo courtesy of the White House. |
Despite all they've endured, the people of [the Gulf Coast] region are determined to rebuild their homes and reclaim their lives, and their fellow Americans are determined to help them. To accomplish the difficult work ahead of us, our nation will call upon our vast resources and the ingenuity of our citizens, and these will be required in full measure. Our greatest resource in such times is the compassionate character of the American people, because even the most destructive storm cannot weaken the heart and soul of our nation. America will overcome this ordeal, and we will be stronger for it.
Even in the deepest darkness, we can see the light of hope, and the light shows us the way forward. We will honor the memory of those we have lost; we will comfort the victims of Katrina; and we will make the Gulf Coast more vibrant than ever.
In all that lies before us, may God watch over the United States of America. Thank you for listening.
--George W. Bush
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Many citizens of New Orleans left messages for rescuers as they awaited help. This cry echoes the great need for continued provisions and prayer
in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Photo
courtesy of the Department of Defense. |
72,614 Number of U.S. troops on the ground or aboard ships in the the Gulf Coast region—22,439 active duty, 45,871 National Guard and 1,895 reserves.
640 Number of people confirmed dead--423 in Louisiana and 218 in Mississippi.
$52 billion Amount legislated last week for recovery and relief efforts bringing total appropriations to $62.3 billion.
10,000 Number of un-evacuated survivors believed to remain in New Orleans.
115 Number of nations that have formally offered assistance to the U.S.
12 Number of international organizations that have offered assistance. Little Rock Air Force Base, AR is serving as collection point for supplies donated by foreign countries.
709 Number of shelters known to be housing a total of more than 207,000 hurricane evacuees last week.
10 million Number of liters of water distributed to affected region by the U.S. military.
1,700 Number of children listed as missing.
17,500 Number of evacuees housed in the Astrodome last week.
1,000 Number of evacuees housed in the Astrodome as of Wednesday, 9-14-05.
$50,000 Amount donated by Texas philanthropist T. Boone Pickens to airlift pets to temporary shelter in California.
20 Number of U.S. Navy ships remain in the Gulf Coast for rescue, relief and support.
12,000 Number of sorties flown by military rescue aircraft as of 9-14-05.
16.7 million Number of Meals Ready to Eat delivered to Gulf Coast region. One million of these have were diverted to Virginia in anticipation of Hurricane Ophelia.
$2,000 Amount made available in emergency relief to every displaced household, money they can use immediately for food, clothing and other essentials.
Portrait of St. Francis courtesy of conservationcatholic.org. |
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
--St. Francis of Assisi
God's people continue to pray, help and give. Countless Americans have united to extend the love and support of Jesus Christ in ways that are imaginative and meaningful. The resourcefulness of so many believers show God's people extending care without discrimination. Here are just a few of the stories posted by PPT members:
My next door neighbor is helping bathe indigent evacuees at the convention center here in Austin, TX. He is in his late sixties and reported to me that it is difficult but gratifying work. Another neighbor conducted a drive for toys for the children in the center in Houston. Her parents drove their RV from Houston to pick up and deliver the items. I shopped for hygiene items requested by those in charge of the Houston hospitality centers and sent them with my neighbors. In fact, everyone I know is doing what they can to assist displaced families. This is America, and we are all stepping up to the plate. It is heart-warming.
--Mary
As one of 300-400 quilt makers in Humboldt County, CA, I gathered quilts from my closets, made twin sized and baby quilts, gathered more quilts, blankets, sheets, clothes and stuffed animals and sent 85 lbs. to the home of the International Quilt Festival in Houston. I want to send a box each week; from now on will send to the churches listed on the site. Millions of quilters everywhere are doing the same. I am not a carpenter, electrician, or doctor, but I can sew up a storm and pray for these folks as I stitch along. Thank you for this website!
--Judy
Our national Lutheran Woman's Missionary League members are collecting and assembling relief kits of necessary hygiene items for babies, children, adult women and men, to be sent to the evacuees in the areas affected by the hurricane and for those who are now relocated to other states.
--Paulette
Presidential Prayer Team members have made monumental contributions to the relief effort, following a movement that is sweeping the country. Each person is doing his or her part to help, fulfilling the call to help however ways possible.
Elsewhere in the U.S, a seven-year-old Chicago girl sold her toys last weekend and gave the cash to food bank, America's Second Harvest. She'd earned $11. Neighbors in Long Beach, CA shelled out up to $20 for glasses of instant lemonade. Their generosity helped a group of children to donate $650 to the Red Cross.
At a mobile home park in Huntington Beach, CA, residents raised $216 at a Labor Day luau. Now they are looking for a "sister" mobile home park hurt by Hurricane Katrina so they can donate the funds directly to its residents.
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