Watching & Praying: February Week 4

8th Week of 2025

Hi everyone, happy new month to you and yours. I am so excited writing this, after what happened this week.

We have just gotten through the second month of 2025. From Feb 1st till now, God has continued to remind us of His Kindness, faithfulness and presence in our individual lives and our nation's affairs. From significant policy changes to international developments, we've truly witnessed the hand of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Not only that but God has also showed His faithfulness in our individual lives, keeping us safe, providing for all our needs. Let us examine the key themes of this week as we lift our hands in prayer and gratitude to God.

Theme of Week 08 of 2025: Restoring American Leadership and Values

This week has been marked by decisive actions reinforcing American leadership on the global stage and a renewed focus on traditional values at home. We've seen some pretty important developments in foreign policy, domestic governance, and economic strategy.

1. US Foreign Policy and International Relations

Key Developments:

• President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: President Trump and VP JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Zelensky over stalled peace negotiations and U.S. aid. Trump criticized Zelensky’s refusal to pursue a ceasefire, declaring, “He can return when he’s ready for peace.” Tensions escalated as Zelensky’s dismissive demeanor led to an abrupt end to the meeting.

• EU reaction to Zelenskyy fallout: EU leaders criticized Trump’s Ukraine stance, while Zelensky sought European backing after the Oval Office fallout. UK PM Keir Starmer urged Ukraine to “patch things up with Trump”

• Ukraine war funding: Tensions rose between the US and European allies over Ukraine funding and NATO commitments.

• Putin Offers Rare Earth Minerals Deal: Russia proposed collaborating with the U.S. on mineral resources, undermining Ukraine’s geopolitical leverage.

• King Charles III Invitation: President Trump received an invitation for a second state visit to the UK from King Charles III.

Prayer Focus:

"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." (Daniel 2:21)

• Divine Wisdom: Pray for President Trump and his advisors to receive heavenly insight as they navigate complex international relationships.

• Peace and Justice: Ask God to guide negotiations and agreements, especially concerning Ukraine, towards outcomes that promote peace and justice.

• Strong Alliances: Intercede for the strengthening of beneficial international partnerships and the wisdom to stand firm in America's interests.

Short Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your guidance in international affairs. We pray for wisdom for President Trump and his team as they engage with world leaders. Lord, we ask for Your peace to prevail in Ukraine and for just solutions to be found. Guide our nation's relationships with allies, and help us to be a force for good in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2. Domestic Policy and Governance

Key Developments:

• Border Policies Update: The Trump administration implemented strong border policies, leading to a significant decrease in illegal border crossings.

• Border Crossings: February saw a 94% drop in crossings compared to Biden-era peaks, with Trump crediting strict deportation policies

• Border Guard empowerment: National Guard deputized to arrest illegal migrants.

• Executrive Order: Trump issued an executive order making English the official language of the United States.

• USAID: The administration took steps to reduce government spending, including cutting staff at agencies like USAID and the Social Security Administration.

Prayer Focus:

"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." (Psalm 82:3-4)

• Wisdom in Governance: Pray for divine guidance for our leaders as they implement policies to strengthen our nation.

• Protection: Protection for border agents and compassion for vulnerable communities

• Compassionate Reform: Ask God to help balance fiscal responsibility with care for those in need.

• National Unity: Intercede for unity among Americans as we navigate policy changes and reforms.

Short Prayer:
Lord, we lift up our nation's leaders to You. Grant them wisdom and discernment as they work to secure our borders and manage our resources. We pray for policies that reflect Your justice and compassion. Help us to be united as a nation, respecting our shared language and values while embracing our diversity. In Jesus' name, Amen.

3. Economic Strategy and International Trade

Key Developments:

• Energy: The administration focused on energy independence and its role in economic growth.

• Tariffs: Trump announced new tariffs on China to address the fentanyl crisis.

• Healthcare System Exposed: Medicare overcharged $230 million for Cialis due to Pharma markups, while insured patients faced higher ambulance fees than uninsured

• Welfare Abuse Crackdown: A 30-year-old mother admitted to living on government assistance for 12 years, sparking debates over welfare reform.

Prayer Focus:

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

• Economic Wisdom: Pray for God's guidance in implementing strategies that promote American prosperity and security.

• Fair Trade: Ask for divine intervention in trade negotiations, especially with China, to protect American interests and lives.

• Stewardship: Intercede for wise use of our nation's resources, particularly in pursuit of energy independence.

Short Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank You for the resources You've blessed our nation with. We pray for wisdom in managing these gifts, especially as we pursue energy independence. Guide our leaders in trade negotiations, particularly with China. Help us to stand firm against harmful practices while seeking fair and beneficial relationships. Protect our economy and our people, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

4. Transparency and Accountability

Key Developments:

• Epstein Files Phase 1 Released: AG Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to expose withheld documents, promising accountability for Epstein’s network.

• Insider Trading Pelosi: Scrutiny increased on stock trading practices of political figures like Nancy Pelosi.

• Pfizer Investigations Expand: Kansas leads 5 states in probing COVID vaccine fraud and excess deaths linked to Pfizer.

Prayer Focus:

"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light." (Luke 8:17)

• Truth and Justice: Pray for the full exposure of corruption and wrongdoing, regardless of the status of those involved.

• Protection for Whistleblowers: Ask God to protect and embolden those who come forward with evidence of misconduct.

• Ethical Leadership: Intercede for a spirit of integrity to pervade all levels of government and public service.

Short Prayer:
Lord of Truth, we pray for Your light to shine in the dark corners of our government and society. Expose what has been hidden and bring justice where there has been wrongdoing. Protect those who speak truth to power, and instill in our leaders a deep commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. May Your justice roll down like waters, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

5. Faith and Education

Key Developments:

• Oklahoma's new rule requiring citizenship proof for school enrollment.

• Reports of persecution against Lebanese Christians.

Prayer Focus:

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

• Children protection: Compassion for children affected by policy changes.

• Praying for the brethren: Strength and protection for persecuted believers worldwide.

• Spiritual awakening: Spiritual awakening in schools, media, and government.

Short Prayer:
Loving Father, we lift up children caught in policy debates. Protect and provide for them. Strengthen our persecuted brothers and sisters. Ignite a revival in our nation's institutions. In Jesus' name, Amen.

🇮🇱 Israel & Middle East Updates

1. Hostage Crisis Continues
24 hostages remain in Gaza, with 17 confirmed alive. Families plead for international intervention as Ramadan approaches.

• Prayer Topic: Safe return of captives and comfort for grieving families (Psalm 34:17-18).

• “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.”

2. Rising Tensions Ahead of Ramadan
Fears of violence grow as Trump considers West Bank annexation. Israeli officials warn of potential clashes in Jerusalem.

• Prayer Topic: Divine intervention for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

• “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.”

3. Lebanese Christians Persecuted
Believers in Lebanon face imprisonment if their faith is discovered, highlighting global religious persecution.

• Prayer Topic: Strength for persecuted churches (Acts 4:29-30).

• “Enable Your servants to speak Your word with boldness.”

Closing Thoughts and Prayer

As we conclude this week's recap, let us remember that our ultimate hope and trust are in the Lord, not in any earthly power or leader. While we engage with the affairs of our nation, we must remain steadfast in prayer and faith.

Final Prayer:

Almighty God, we thank You for Your continued guidance over our nation. We lift up President Trump, Vice President Vance, and all our leaders to You, we pray for Your wisdom, insight and compassion will guide their decisions in Jesus name. We pray that you will strengthen them as they are working to restore American values and leadership on the world stage in Jesus name.

Lord, we pray for a great awakening in America’s churches in Jesus name. Soften the hearts that have grown hard and open ours eyes that have been blinded from Your truth in Jesus name. We pray for unity, unity in the name of Jesus Christ. We come against the spirit of division in this nation in the name of Jesus.

We also pray for the protection of our border agents and success in all their efforts to secure our borders in Jesus name. We pray for our leaders and they do their best to reform our institutions, and revitalize our economy, grant them wisdom, insight and the knowledge that they need in Jesus name.

Finally, Father, we lift up the persecuted church around the world and ask for Your protection and strength for our brothers and sisters facing opposition for their faith in Jesus name. Lord, throughout the years, you have used this country the USA to help others and as a light in this world. So Father we pray that you would use this nation again as a force for good in the world in Jesus name. Help us Lord to stand for religious freedom and human dignity in this world in Jesus name.

We declare that Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Stay faithful, keep praying, and remain steadfast in hope. God bless America!