Weekly Prayer Update
These Six Battles In 2017 Could Determine The Future Of Religious Freedom
January 9, 2017

First Liberty: “Powerful institutions are manipulating the law to secularize America and make people of faith into second-class citizens. But in 2017, attorneys defending religious freedom have an opportunity to change that secular future. Here is a roster of these ‘battlefields,’ and the cases within them.” Read more here

National Prayer Points and Praise Reports

Religious Freedom In The Military

First Liberty: “Since when does the ‘tone’ of a Bible verse play a controversial role in the U.S. military? Since LCpl. Monifa Sterling posted Isaiah 54:17 in three different places around her workspace. First Liberty Institute appeals the historic case.”

Freedom Of Conscience Suddenly A Priority For All

ADF: “Donald Trump’s election has produced one unexpected benefit: his opponents are now making freedom-of-conscience claims that parallel arguments Alliance Defending Freedom has made in courts for years.

Opponents of President-elect Trump are saying they can’t in good conscience do business that helps Trump and his supporters, because it would violate their deeply-held beliefs to do so. That’s how we’ve advocated for Elane PhotographyArlene’s FlowersHands On OriginalsBrush and Nib Studio, and other cases, including the latest case for Telescope Media Group in Minnesota.”

Supreme Court To Determine Pension Laws For Religious-Affiliated Hospitals

Pacific Justice Institute: “The U.S. Supreme Court will determine if hospitals with a church affiliation qualify for a church pension plan or if they must follow federal laws for pension benefits, a decision that would have a grave financial impact on hospitals.”

Undeniable: The Survey Of Hostility To Religion In America 

For anyone who thinks religious discrimination is non-existent in America, the attorneys at First Liberty Institute have a different story.

First Liberty announced the release of Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America (2016). It is available online here, free of charge.


State Prayer Points and Praise Reports

Religious Liberty Legislation

Continue praying consistently and fervently for the successful passage of legislation that effectively protects our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty.

CA: SCOTUS Petitioned To Preserve Religious Counseling Rights

“Pacific Justice Institute filed a petition earlier this week with the United States Supreme Court to continue the fight to protect free speech for licensed counselors.”

CA: New Years Brings New Freedom For Senior Citizens

“A group of senior citizens are relieved but remain wary after their homeowners association (HOA) reversed course and lifted a ban on their meetings. The groups, consisting of a Sunday worship service and three weekly Bible studies, had been meeting for a few years at the clubhouse of Solera at Kern Canyon, a senior community in Bakersfield.  Numerous other groups and clubs utilize the clubhouse on a regular basis, spanning a wide range of interests.  Just before Thanksgiving, the HOA Board abruptly suspended all four of the religious gatherings, citing a legal threat from a resident who is an attorney.  More than 30 residents appealed the decision, but the Board rejected their concerns in mid-December.  As a result, the worship services were denied clubhouse space throughout the Christmas season.”

NC: Legislative Prayer

“The Fourth Circuit issued an order granting a rehearing en banc in Lund v. Rowan County.  In September, a three-judge panel issued a decision upholding the county’s prayer practice, but plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing, which was granted.  The case is tentatively scheduled for oral argument during January 24-26.  As amici, the brief filed on behalf of the Members of Congress will be refiled with the court at this stage.”


National Prayer Opportunities

Congressional Prayer Caucus

Congressional Prayer: Each week Congress is in session, members of Congressional Prayer Caucus meet before votes to pray in Room 219 of the U.S. Capitol.

There are over 100 Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral caucus, that is spearheading a strategic movement of national, state and local leaders and citizens who are working together to promote prayer, protect religious freedom and restore, upgrade and popularize America’s founding spirit and the principles related to faith and morality that shaped this Great Republic. Please commit to praying for them regularly.

Pray For Our President And All Those In Authority 

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2, Psalm 91

Include: Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Military, Faith Leaders, First Responders, Etc.

David’s Tent 

Join people from across the nation for 24/7 Worship in Washington DC. They welcome worship teams from every tribe, tongue, nation, denomination, and all 50 U.S. states. Learn more here


Prayer for Religious Freedom Internationally

The Fate Of Religious Freedom In The Former USSR, 25 Years After Its Collapse

“In countries like Russia and Uzbekistan, strict registration requirements and other forms of government interference plague religious communities. Officials limit who can own religious buildings and when and where services can be held, said Katayoun Kishi, a research associate at Pew Research Center who oversees the organization’s efforts to track global restrictions on religion.”


Prayer for The CPCF, Our Team, and Initiatives

Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation

American Prayer Caucus Network

In God We Trust. Put It Up!

PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling The Nation To Prayer


Prayer for Others on the Religious Liberty Front

There are many organizations on the front lines that need our prayers.
Alliance Defending Freedom, ACLJ, Becket Fund, Liberty Counsel, Liberty Institute, Family Research Council, The Heritage Foundation, Chaplain Alliance For Religious Liberty and any others that come to mind.


Prayer for Those That Oppose Us

Freedom From Religion Foundation
ACLU
AHA
Secular Coalition for America
Military Religious Freedom Foundation


 For more information about this prayer initiative, contact Summer Ingram, National Director of Prayer and Mobilization for the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation.

www.CPCFoundation.com