Weekly Prayer Update
WIN! United States Supreme Court Protects Faith-Based Hospitals
June 12, 2017

Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 6/5-6/12

“In a decision that has religiously affiliated hospitals cheering, the Supreme Court ruled that federal pension rules don’t apply to them. The 8-0 ruling reverses lower court decisions that sided with hospital workers who argued that the exemption from pension laws should not extend to hospitals affiliated with churches. Monday’s (June 5) Supreme Court ruling in favor of the hospitals — two with Catholic and one with Lutheran ties — could also affect other religiously affiliated institutions and their employees.” Read more here.

National Prayer Points

Time-Sensitive: Arguments On Critical Prayer Case Begin Today

“Today,at 9:00 a.m. (PST) attorneys with First Liberty Institute will present
arguments to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit over whether Bremerton School District may continue its religious discrimination against former Bremerton High School coach Joe Kennedy’s brief, silent religious expression.”

Legislative Prayer Case: Bormuth v. Jackson County – Wednesday, June 14th at 1:30 p.m. EST

A divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently struck down Jackson County’s (Michigan) prayer practice largely because the commissioners themselves delivered the prayers, rather than inviting a private citizen to deliver them. Arguments begin Wednesday, June 14th at 1:30 p.m. EST.

National Motto Case: New Doe Child # 1 v. The Congress of the United States – Friday, June 16th at 8:30 a.m. EST

The lawsuit, filed by Michael Newdow, argues that the inclusion of the motto on U.S. currency violates the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment, as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In December, the district court dismissed the case holding that “plaintiffs cannot demonstrate that the use of the motto on currency substantially burdens their religious exercise.” Further, “no reasonable viewer would think a person handling money does so to spread its religious message.” Mr. Newdow appealed to the Sixth Circuit. Arguments begin Friday, June 16th at 8:30 a.m. EST.

High School Grads’ Religious Express Still Squashed

“Despite the fact that there are less incidents violating students’ religious freedom on campuses across the nation than there were a few years ago, there are still many schools that try to suppress students’ rights of religious expression during graduations.”

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

Religious Liberty Legislation

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

MA: Legislators Push To Prohibit Gender Identity Counseling

“…The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (chaired by Representative Kay Khan and Senator Jennifer Flanagan) held a hearing on H1190, an overly broad piece of legislation that would prohibit an entire class of patients from accessing the talk therapy, labeled “sexual orientation change efforts” (SOCE), they desire. The legislation prohibits any social worker, doctor, counselor, or human service professional from engaging in therapy that attempts to aid a minor in a desired change in sexual orientation or gender identity from a LGBT supportive position. This is referred to as a ‘Counseling Ban Bill.'”

MO: Mayor Stands Strong Against Anti-Faith Group

“The community of Neosho has had a cross on a hill in a municipal park for over 80 years. But the city recently received a complaint. Mayor Ben Baker says from the time of the cross’ construction in 1930 to now, neither the mayor’s office nor the city council has heard an objection from any resident.”

MS:  Legal Challenges To Religious Freedom Law Continues

“A federal appeals court is going to decide whether the government can step on the religious rights of Mississippi residents on behalf of a small group of vocal Americans…Governor Bryant recently appeared as a guest on American Family Radio. He argued that there are many examples in which the government accommodated religious beliefs. In one example, he pointed out that world champion boxer Muhammad Ali refused in April 1967 to serve in the military during the Vietnam War, citing the tenets of his Muslim faith.*”

NY: Decision Pending That Will Have Huge Impact, Including Religious Freedom Of Doctors

“New York residents are waiting to learn whether assisted suicide will become the law of the land.”

TN: Atheists Seek To Shut Down Before-school Bible Study Group 

“During a heated exchange on…, Fox News’ Tucker Carlson of ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’ called co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Dan Barker ‘a bully who runs a highly aggressive interest group,’ after Barker’s group shut down a before-school Bible study group for first- and second-graders.”


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, their families, and staff daily. 

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

Iraq And Syria Relief And Accountability Act ‘Long Overdue’

“An organization committed to achieving broad acceptance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right is applauding a bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as a crucial step to aid victims of ISIS.”


Prayer for The CPCF, Our Team, and Our 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 Law, Liberty Counsel, First LibertyFamily 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