Presidential Prayer Team 2019

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

This discussion will continue the posts from the Presidential Prayer Team website.

It's tempting when praying for our country to focus our prayers more on politics and people than on God and His purposes.  Whether we're praying for a reversal of the moral decline at all levels of our society, or for wisdom and integrity for our leaders, or for America's place in the world, there are spiritual realities that underlie all that we see (and pray for) on the surface.

If we really believe that God answers prayer, then praying for our country and for our leaders has far more impact than lobbying for bills, boycotting organizations, or campaigning for candidates.  God will call some of us to activities like that.  But he calls us all to pray.  Who knows but that God might be in a similar place with America that he was with Israel in Ezekiel's day:

"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." -- Ezekiel 22:30

We pray to a God who longs to bring healing to our wounds and unity to our division.  Many believe this promise made to Israel still applies today (though America is not "my people" to God in the same way that Israel was):

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -- 2 Chronicles 7:14

It is up to the Church today to take the lead in opening the door for God's healing through prayer.  Please join in!  Feel free to post responses or simply to pray along the lines of the PPT's prayer items.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

White House, Congressional Leaders to Talk Budget

Looking for a two-year budget deal

At a time still to be confirmed for next week, the top four leaders in Congress will meet with officials of the White House to discuss a two-year budget deal.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are expected to meet with White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and others. Their mutual goal is to avoid another government shutdown and increase the debt ceiling.

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Richard Shelby of Alabama, said yesterday that leadership was trying to set up a meeting with the White House to discuss a budget cap deal. “What could come out of it is an agreement where we can move our [appropriations] to a number,” he said. “Or nothing could come out of it. If you’ve been there, you’ve seen.”

Sources: The Hill, CNN

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For best intentions on working out a deal among all of those who will meet regarding the budget next week.

• About the need for a sense of continuity that removes chances of government shutdowns.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

White House, Congressional Leaders to Talk Budget

Looking for a two-year budget deal

At a time still to be confirmed for next week, the top four leaders in Congress will meet with officials of the White House to discuss a two-year budget deal.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are expected to meet with White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and others. Their mutual goal is to avoid another government shutdown and increase the debt ceiling.

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Richard Shelby of Alabama, said yesterday that leadership was trying to set up a meeting with the White House to discuss a budget cap deal. “What could come out of it is an agreement where we can move our [appropriations] to a number,” he said. “Or nothing could come out of it. If you’ve been there, you’ve seen.”

Sources: The Hill, CNN

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For best intentions on working out a deal among all of those who will meet regarding the budget next week.

• About the need for a sense of continuity that removes chances of government shutdowns.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Second Round of Aid to U.S. Farmers Coming

As much as $20 billion, Agriculture Secretary says

According to Agriculture Secretary Sony Perdue, the Trump Administration could make as much as $20 billion available to farmers in trade aid. The assistance is designed to help offset losses from tariffs set by China.

This second round of aid is modeled after last year’s. Perdue said the assistance would likely include more direct payments and commodity purchases.

Our calculations initially probably range between $15-and-$20 billion,” he said of the estimated economic damage to farmers and the scope of the potential aid package, but he reiterated that many details are still being decided.

The secretary did not say when the aid would be forthcoming but the work is being expedited at President Trump’s request.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Politico

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For the U.S. Department of Agriculture as they prepare for distribution of aid to American farmers.

• For the farm families whose livelihood has been interrupted by the tariffs imposed on soybeans, meat and other farm items exported to China.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

President to Visit Republic of Korea

President Trump to meet with President Moon Jae-in

President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Republic of Korea in late June. This will be part of a larger trip to Asia to attend the G20 summit being held in Japan. The president plans to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss efforts to denuclearize North Korea and to strengthen the alliance between South Korea and the United States.

President Trump previously met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in February, where they discussed North Korea's denuclearization and the lifting of sanctions the U.S. placed on North Korea. The president expressed optimism about his relationship with President Kim, stating that, "the relationship continues, but we'll see what happens."

Sources: WhiteHouse.gov, CNN

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For President Trump as he prepares to meet with President Moon Jae-in.
• For safety for the president as he travels.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

President Signs Executive Order on Technology

Effectively blocks Chinese technical equipment

On Wednesday, President Trump signed the Executive Order on Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain. Within his order, the president made it clear that foreign adversary threats to the American communication network, technology, and services are a national emergency. The order gives broad powers to the Department of Commerce to determine if an international technology company is a threat, and block their products.

The Department of Commerce issued a statement clarifying the purpose of the order saying, “the executive order prohibits transactions that involve information and communications technology or services [associated with] a foreign adversary whenever the secretary of commerce determines that a transaction would pose a threat to national security.” This order paves the way for the United States to block the use of equipment from companies like Huawei.

Sources: White House, CNET, Politico

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For the Department of Commerce to effectively police against foreign threats.
• For Secretary Ross to lead the Department, and have wisdom on when to use his newfound authority.
• For President Trump to be given wisdom on how best to protect American interests.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Sunday, May 19, 2019

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are in residence in the White House and have no public events on their schedule at this time. They are planning to spend time resting ahead of the busy week. The president will be preparing for the second round of meetings with Congressional leaders on national infrastructure and the federal funding required for upgrades and construction.

Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence are at their residence in Washington, D.C. today. They also have no public events on their schedule at this time. The vice president will be traveling this week to take part in campaign events and to meet with national leaders.

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For rest and rejuvenation for the president and first lady as they stay in the White House today.
• For God to give the president wisdom as he plans for the coming week.
• For the vice president and second lady as they rest ahead of this week.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

President Delays Auto Tariffs

Gives a timeline for trade agreements

President Trump announced that he would be delaying his decision on imposing new automotive tariffs on Europe, Japan, and other countries for at least six months on Friday. He stated that the time would be finite for the U.S. and these countries to come to a trade agreement that is mutually beneficial. Otherwise, tariffs of 25 percent could be put in place.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders illuminated the reasoning for the delay saying that “United States defense and military superiority depend on the competitiveness of our automobile industry and the research and development that industry generates. The negotiation process will be led by United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and, if agreements are not reached within 180 days, the President will determine whether and what further action needs to be taken.”

Sources: NY Times, CNBC

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For President Trump to have wisdom on the best course of action to take in negotiations.
• For Secretary Sanders to be used by God to effectively communicate news from the White House.
• For Trade Representative Lightizer to be a masterful negotiator with the EU, Japan, and other nations.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Pentagon Diverts Additional $1.5 Billion for Border Wall

78.25 miles of fencing to be replaced

The U.S. Pentagon diverted another $1.5 billion in various Defense Department funds in order to pay for the border wall. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan announced that the military found a way to reprogram the money without harming readiness. He also stated that the Pentagon will not be able to divert any more money toward funding the wall.

Some of the diverted money will be taken from "money we are underrrunning or saving...from Afghanistan" according to Secretary Shanahan. There is also money that was diverted from personnel accounts due to a lack of service members entering into a voluntary "blended retirement program." The money will pay for fence replacement on four projects in and around Tucson, Arizona, and El Centro, Texa, totaling 78.25 miles.

Sources: ABC, CNN

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For the Defense Department as they monitor their redistribution of funds.
• For wisdom for President Trump as he continues to work to secure the U.S.'s southern border and oversee funding for the wall.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Saturday, June 01, 2019

President Donald Trump does not have any public events scheduled for today. He and First Lady Melania Trump will spend their day at the White House. They are likely preparing for their upcoming state visit to the UK next week.

Vice president Mike Pence also does not have any public events scheduled for today. He will likely spend his day at home, following a trip to Canada he made earlier this week.

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For rest for President Trump, Vice President Pence, and the first and second ladies.
• For wisdom for the president as he prepares to leave for the UK next week.
• For upcoming safe travels for the president.

The President's Schedule

• 5:20PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart the White House en route to Ford’s Theatre
• 5:25PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Ford’s Theatre
• 5:30PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY attend the Ford’s Theatre Gala Performance
• 6:55PM EDT The President delivers remarks at the Ford’s Theatre Gala
• 7:05PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart Ford’s Theatre en route to the White House
• 7:10PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at the White House
• 8:00PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews
• 8:10PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Joint Base Andrews
• 8:20PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart Washington, D.C. en route to London, United Kingdom

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Contract Awarded to Build Wall in Rio Grande Valley

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. to build 3 new miles of wall in Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced this week that they have awarded a contract to build three new miles of wall on federal land at the U.S. southern border. Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. has been given a $42.8 million contract to begin constructing a wall in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where no barriers have existed previously.

In addition to the border wall, the contract also allows for road construction, detection technology, and lighting installation at the border. Construction is expected to begin in August of this year. An additional 50 miles of barrier are anticipated to be built in Starr County, Texas in the coming months.

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For wisdom for President Donald Trump as he oversees the construction of the border wall.
• For Customs and Border Protection as they continue to monitor the illegal immigration crisis at the United States' southern border.

[Andrew R. Wheeler]

Sunday, June 02, 2019

During much of the day, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump do not have any public events on their schedule. They will be resting at the White House in advance of the upcoming busy week of travel.

In the evening, the president and first lady will attend a gala performance at Ford’s Theatre and give remarks as part of the event. After the gala, they will stop at the White House briefly before boarding Air Force one en route to London, United Kingdom. They will arrive Monday morning to take part in a state visit with Queen Elizabeth, tea with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and other national officials.

AS THE LORD LEADS, PRAY WITH US:

• For rest for President Trump, Vice President Pence, and the first and second ladies.
• For wisdom for the president as he prepares to leave for the UK next week.
• For upcoming safe travels for the president.

The President's Schedule

• 5:20PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart the White House en route to Ford’s Theatre
• 5:25PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Ford’s Theatre
• 5:30PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY attend the Ford’s Theatre Gala Performance
• 6:55PM EDT The President delivers remarks at the Ford’s Theatre Gala
• 7:05PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart Ford’s Theatre en route to the White House
• 7:10PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at the White House
• 8:00PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews
• 8:10PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Joint Base Andrews
• 8:20PM EDT The President and THE FIRST LADY depart Washington, D.C. en route to London, United Kingdom