All the Bible verses in this edition of The Presidential Prayer Team
for Kids Update are from The New Living Translation of the Bible.
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  • Remembering Hurricane Katrina—Can you believe it’s been one year?
  • How are things going in the Gulf Coast?
  • One Hurricane Katrina survivor wants to say “thanks” and “don’t forget us” to President Bush

Things to pray for

President Bush shares a smile with Rockey Vaccarella, a man who survived Hurricane Katrina but lost a great deal. Mr. Vaccarella drove to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Bush this week. He wanted to say “thank you” for all the help our government has given to the Gulf Coast Region. And he also wanted to remind the President to never forget all the people who still need help and support. President Bush and Mr. Vaccarella met in the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. Pray for the President and his staff as they have many people who want to meet with him, each with an important concern. Photo courtesy of the White House.
  1. America has some very special anniversaries coming up. Have you heard people talking about them? We will be observing the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina next week, and everyone from President Bush to school children has plans in place. So it is a very good time for us to pray for all the people who suffered because of Hurricane Katrina, whether they lost loved ones, their home or the ability to earn a living. There were many, many losses during and following Hurricane Katrina, so we must remember to pray for those who are still sad and who have not yet fully recovered. Many great things have happened in the Gulf Coast, but there is still much rebuilding to take place. Pray for those who are still working to help rebuild, and pray for everyone who is working to bring the love of Jesus Christ to those who suffered.
  2. Pray for President Bush as he travels to the Gulf Coast Region next week—to Gulfport and Biloxi, MS on August 28, spending the night in New Orleans. On August 29 he will participate in an event in New Orleans and will travel to his Crawford, TX ranch where he will spend the night. Pray also as he travels to Little Rock, AR and Nashville, TN on August 30 spending the night in Salt Lake City, UT. When all these visits are done, he will head back east to the Camp David, MD retreat for the weekend. It’s great to pray for anyone as they travel, but it’s really important to pray for the President, because his safety is always very important.
  3. Another anniversary that is coming up is the five year observance of the September 11 terror attacks. Enough time has passed that you may not even know that much about that historic day because you were so young! It is important for everyone to know about that very sad day, for it changed America forever. We must especially remember to thank God that He has protected our country in the years since September 11, 2001. And we can pray that our nation will continue to be safe from terror attacks, asking God to keep on protecting us from attacks here at home or abroad. Pray for the troops who are working so hard to find leaders of terror cells and ask God to guide them right to the people who are doing the most harm.
  4. Pray for our troops as they protect the cause of freedom at home and overseas, asking God to be very near to the children of our troops—especially those who have a mom or a dad overseas. We can imagine how much they must miss their parent, so it’s really good to pray for them, asking God to be especially close to them.

Leaders to pray for


Secretary of State—Condoleezza Rice
Photo courtesy of the White House.

Dr. Condoleezza Rice served our nation and our president for four years as the National Security Advisor. When President Bush won his second term of office, she was given a new job as Secretary of State. In that position she leads our country’s relationships and negotiations with other countries (nations of the world are also known as states, in case this wording confused you!). She takes over for Colin Powell who did a fantastic job for the past four years.

The mission of the State Department is to work with other nations of the world to ensure peace, prosperity and security all around the world! That’s a big job that may seem nearly impossible, but when you think about the tremendous influence America has with most all the countries of the world, you can see what a really important job it is! In fact, that’s why The Presidential Prayer Team has so many members around the world—because they know that America’s policies and plans affect everyone everywhere!

Dr. Rice is single and is very close friends with President and Mrs. Bush. She often spends time with them, both at Camp David, MD and at their Crawford, TX ranch. She works out regularly, loves sports and carefully follows the athletic teams of Stanford University where she taught and served as provost for several years before coming to Washington, D. C.


Secretary of Housing and Urban Development—Alphonso Jackson
Photo courtesy of HUD.

Alphonso Jackson has been at the helm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development since March 31, 2004. In that role, he and his team work hard to provide affordable housing for all Americans while promoting economic development in our nation’s cities. HUD works hard to make our cities great places to live. They work to provide housing for the homeless, to help neighborhoods with big problems to tackle and solve them and to help every American realize the dream of home ownership.

Alphonso Jackson knows about the importance of good housing—he grew up in a family with 12 children! His father worked very hard at three jobs. He educated his children, and instilled the values that have helped Secretary Jackson as he leads HUD—among those the importance of giving back to the community.

Secretary Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in education administration from Truman State University. He received his law degree from Washington University School of Law. With his wife, Marcia, he has two grown daughters.

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life.
—Psalm 42:8

Can you remember last year when Hurricane Katrina built in the Gulf of Mexico and blew through the entire Gulf Coast leaving lots of destruction and devastation in its path? Lots of people lost their homes. Many lost their loved ones. Our whole country was shaken by the problems caused by the storm.

Do you remember last year when Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast? Lots of families were displaced. In this photo First Lady Laura Bush gives a hug to a young girl who was displaced by Hurricane Katrina and was forced to stay in a shelter. Pray for all the kids who now have no home because the storms and floods destroyed them. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Many people are still recovering from what happened last year when the hurricane hit. But one of the great things that happened was that many people reached out and worked very hard to help one another. Christian ministries and churches, especially, brought a great deal of support, financial aid and practical help to those who were affected by the storm.

PPT’s President/CEO John Lind checks out the huge warehouse of supplies being given away by the Salvation Army.

Even PPT’s own President/CEO, John Lind made a trip to the area to encourage Salvation Army and other workers and to promote prayer for the victims. He also wanted to see how PPT and The Presidential Prayer Team for Kids could be better prepared if there is another crisis like Hurricane Katrina. Because if people are hurt and hurting, they definitely need prayer! During the storm last year, PPT led the way in stimulating prayer during and after Hurricane Katrina. Did you pray with us last year?

Have you ever noticed how people turn to great words of hope and inspiration when things get rough? Last year during Hurricane Katrina, many people were struggling to keep a sense of hope. They were seeking support and help in all kinds of places. As kids who pray, we know that the best place to get help when things get rough is to turn to God.

Here are some great words from some great Americans. Read them and see if you feel encouraged!

It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by resolution and contrivance.
--Thomas Jefferson

Down through the centuries, in times of trouble and trial, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. You can look ahead with promise, hope and joy.
--Billy Graham

In times of trial and crisis, it’s really important to have some very strong tools in your prayer toolbox—like the Word of God!

God’s Word is full of all kinds of great truths that give us hope and strength, even in the toughest times of trial and challenge. Here are some of those verses. Each verse is rewritten as a prayer we can pray for people who were hurt by Hurricane Katrina in any way. Even though it has been one year, it is still good to pray for the victims of the storm.

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.
--Deuteronomy 33:27

Oh Lord, I pray that You will let every hurricane victim feel your arms holding them up. Let each one look to your for refuge.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
--Psalm 9:9-11

Dear God, bring comfort and help to every person who still needs Your help through this time of trouble. Help those who are struggling to put their hope and trust in You, because You never abandon those who look for You. Help us all to remember to tell everyone about all the ways You have shown Your power, love and goodness during this difficult time.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
--Psalm 18:2

Loving God in Heaven, We praise and thank You for being our rock and strong place. You are our Savior and protector. It is You who makes us strong and safe always. Help all the victims of the disaster to find their hope and help in You. And help us to always remember you are more powerful than anything.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
--Psalm 46:1-2

Awesome God, help every person who has been hurt by the effects of the hurricane to find help and strength in You, because You are always ready to help. Even when we see scary things happening around us, keep us all safe and help us all not to be afraid.

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
--Matthew 25:35-36

Dear Jesus, let every person who needs food and drink receive it from Your hand. For those who are without homes, let Your people take them in and give them clothing and medical care. And please don’t let the prisoners be forgotten—send Your people to minister to them too.

This photo shows one of the homes that Abraham Lincoln lived in as a boy growing up in Kentucky. As you can see it is very rugged and rustic. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Abraham Lincoln came from very humble beginnings, and he gained much of his wisdom by reading the Scriptures often—even when he was a young boy. As our nation’s leader during one of the most difficult times in our history, Abraham Lincoln desperately sought to keep the Nation together during the Civil War. He relied on prayer so often as well as the many lessons he had learned from the Scriptures.

Throughout the period of his leadership, President Lincoln had a vision of what our nation could and should be. He saw a unified United States where all people were free.

President Abraham Lincoln turned to God for help when he was overwhelmed with everything around him. When we are overwhelmed with the things going on around us, President Lincoln’s wisdom works really well—turn to God in prayer. Image courtesy of the Abraham Lincoln Research Site.

Abraham Lincoln’s faith in God was a great help to him as he led our nation through such difficult times. He often referred to the importance of the Bible in his personal life, and he told others how he relied on prayer when he was overwhelmed with the crises of leadership. Read these words of President Abraham Lincoln, and see what you think of his faith.

    I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day.
    --Abraham Lincoln

WEEKLY QUIZ

QUESTION 1

Sometimes our problems get so big, we aren’t sure where to turn or what to do. Abraham Lincoln had a pretty good idea. Read again his words here: I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day.
Which statement do you think best explains how Abraham Lincoln felt about prayer?

  1. Abraham Lincoln believed that if nothing else works, try prayer. What could it hurt?
  2. Lincoln felt that only desperate people pray.
  3. Lincoln knew that when his problems were piling up and he was unsure of what to do, God would help him no matter what, and God’s wisdom would be best.

QUESTION 2

Perhaps when you think about President Lincoln, or any president, for that matter, you think of a person with great wisdom. When you read Lincoln’s quote once again, which of the following would you say is true?

  1. Abraham Lincoln had worked hard to educate himself and knew that his training would help him in most every situation.
  2. Abraham Lincoln didn’t have faith in his own leadership and felt helpless in the face of difficulty.
  3. Abraham Lincoln knew that a person can rely on their own wisdom for a time, but some situations demand the wisdom of God.

The Bible has lots of great advice about relying on your own wisdom rather than seeking God’s will and His ways. Can you think of a verse that talks about that? Hover here to read.

Hover here for another verse that applies to a leader who needs divine help.

Sometimes, leaders facing tough times do turn to prayer, just like Abraham Lincoln did. They seek God on their own and cry out to Him for help and strength. It’s just about the best thing any leader can do!

But sometimes the problems are so big and the solutions so hard to understand that leaders not only see the need for prayer but they call others to pray as well. When it is a president doing the calling, it’s the whole country who must answer!

These calls to prayer are found in the great tradition of national days of prayer and fasting or prayer and remembrance. President Lincoln called for a national day of prayer and fasting on March 30, 1863.

Here are some of the words he used:
Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

President Lincoln seems pretty comfortable referring to God, doesn’t he?

Click HERE to read the whole proclamation—it’s pretty amazing!

President Bush addressed the nation on Thursday, September 8, telling of the help available to those needing help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He also called for a day of prayer and remembrance on Friday, September 16. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Did you know that President Bush followed in the great tradition of calling for days of prayer to ask God for help—in all kinds of difficulty? As we have seen with President Abraham Lincoln, our nation’s leaders have often called on citizens to humble themselves before God and acknowledge our need for help. Seems like a terrific idea, doesn’t it? Last year, President Bush asked everyone to set aside one day to pray and remember those who died during that terrible storm. Here are the President’s words calling for a day of prayer and remembrance:
Throughout our history in times of testing, Americans have come together in prayer to heal and ask for strength for the tasks ahead. So I've declared Friday, September the 16th, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that we pray -- as Americans have always prayed in times of trial -- with confidence in His purpose, with hope for a brighter future, and with the humility to ask God to keep us strong so that we can better serve our brothers and sisters in need.
--George W. Bush

Click HERE to read the official proclamation.

Can you think of a Bible verse that talks about the wonderful way God responds when we call to Him? Hover here to read.

A WORD TO PPT KIDS

One year has passed since our country was rocked by Hurricane Katrina. It was a very bad time for America. But there were some very good things that came from the storm. Can you think of some?

People helped one another in new and amazing ways. The nation turned its attention to the problems of poverty and crime that have trouble New Orleans for many years. Also, our government learned what worked well and what did not work well in the ways that it worked to rescue and bring relief to those who were hit hardest. And out of all these things, God is bringing good!

One especially good thing is that we all remembered again how important it is to pray for our country and our leaders, because when kids pray, God works!

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