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On Watch in Washington / The Informer

January 20, 2016 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, MARCH FOR LIFE 

National Sanctity of Life Prayer Conference Call and Webcast
Friday, January 22, at 12:15 p.m. (ET) with special guests 
Alveda King, Allan Parker and Ryan Bomberger.

Join the call: dial 712-432-0075 and enter code

Watch our live Webcast at http://www.ifapray.org/resources/webcast.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Winter storm watch for Washington, D.C. this weekend.
Please check Weather.com for ongoing weather details

     January is National Sanctity of Life month, and IFA encourages you to fast and pray with many like-minded believers for these innocent lives at risk. Beginning January 17, we will share a week-long series of daily devotions. Invite your family, friends, prayer group, and church leaders to pray with us. Each devotional, including specific prayer points, will be delivered daily to your inbox during this week of prayer. You can sign up here:  https://www.nationalsanctityoflifesunday.com/.

 
The 10 U.S. sailors who were briefly detained by the Iranian military last week were held at gunpoint and had a verbal exchange with Iranian personnel before they were released, the U.S. military said Monday. Just two days after the United States and other world powers lifted sanctions on Iran, the military released its most comprehensive timeline to date of the events surrounding the sailors' brief detainment. In a news release, the military said the sailors also had two SIM cards pulled out of their satellite phones, but that there was no gunfire exchange.

Whatever the details surrounding the capture of the 10 U.S. sailors, our first thought is to give thanks to God that they were all released unharmed and are back under American authority and protection. We don't know yet whether further repercussions will emerge. Christians are aware that the stronger Iran grows as a world power, the greater the danger to Israel and to our nation. Pray accordingly.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. ... Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:" (Ps 136:1, 3)
  
 
The Supreme Court announced it will hear a case challenging President Obama's executive actions on immigration, which could shield as many as 5 million immigrants from deportations. Activists expected the court to take up the lawsuit. The programs have been on hold since early last year, when a federal judge in Texas stopped them from taking effect. A favorable decision for the president would allow the programs to go into place, restoring a key legacy achievement just months before he will leave office. The decision could also have wide-ranging implications for the 2016 election, where immigration has been a pivotal issue. 

Pray for the Supreme Court justices (many intercessors pray regularly for each by name). There are several pivotal cases coming before the high court in 2016 needing decisions based on constitutional law. Pray for a just and peaceful resolution to the question of U.S. immigration policy. Ask God to raise up future justices who will rule in accordance to our Constitution.

"[God, Lord of hosts, says:] 'Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.' " (Zech 7:9-10)
  
 

Last year was the most violent for Christians in modern history, rising to "a level akin to ethnic cleansing," according to a new report by Open Doors USA, a watchdog group that advocates for Christians. In total, the survey found that more than 7,100 Christians were killed in 2015 for "faith-related reasons," up 3,000 from the previous year, according to the group's analysis of media reports and other public information as well as external experts. Open Door's report is independently audited by the International Institute of Religious Freedom. Open Doors USA is an organization that works with Christians worldwide to "equip and encourage" those living under persecution while also helping churches in America advocate for the persecuted around the world.

Open Doors USA has long supported persecuted Christians and suffering minorities around the world. Pray for David Curry and his staff as they work relentlessly on behalf of the suffering Church. Intercede for more hidden pockets of persecution to be exposed. Pray for U.S. national leaders, including pastors, to speak out about violations of religious freedom here in the America.

"Rejoice, O ... people: For [God] will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people." (Deut 32:43)
  
 
The UN says violence suffered by civilians in Iraq "remains staggering", with at least 18,800 killed between 1 January 2014 and 31 October 2015. Some 3.2 million people have also been displaced internally over the same period, according to a new report.
The UN accuses so-called Islamic State of systematic and widespread violence, including holding some 3,500 mainly women and children as slaves. Alleged abuses by troops, militiamen and Kurdish forces were also recorded.

It appears there are no limits to which the depraved and demonically controlled minds and seared consciences of these terrorists will go in crazed determination to shed blood and murder innocent civilians, including many Christians. Intercede for divine intervention. Pray for God's mercy to bring this murderous regime to an end. God will be a Redeemer or a righteous Judge.

These ... things the Lord hates, [they] are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil...." (Prov 6:16-18)
 
 
Christians around the world continue to celebrate the release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini from an Iranian prison, they are being reminded it came at a cost that may not be felt until further down the roadThe pastor from Idaho - who had been jailed for more than three years for his Christian faith - and three other Americans were released over the weekend as part of a prisoner trade with Iran. They are currently undergoing medical evaluations and catching up on some sleep at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. While Abedini was in prison, the American Center for Law and Justice lobbied for his release on his behalf and that of his family. ACLJ chief counsel Jay Sekulow confirmed the news of their client's release in a video posted on the ACLJ website just hours after receiving word themselves.

This is a praise report! Give thanks to the Lord! Regardless of Iran's motives in releasing these innocent hostages, still we rejoice in God's mercy and grace. We know it was His sovereign will to effect this release at this time - for His purpose and His glory. Many reading this have prayed for Pastor Saeed Abedini for at least three years. Pray for the freed prisoners to find peace and rest.  

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: ... The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." (Ps 103:1-2, 6)


 

Intercessors for America | 800-USA-PRAY | [email protected]