GO EAGLES ! DEDICATED TO GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN HIGH

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Yes! 👍"California city mayor defends Charlie Kirk street signs" | Fox News

https://www.foxnews.com/culture/fled-communism-california-mayor-honoring-charlie-kirk-refusing-back

"Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen told Fox News Digital that Americans are "lucky we have the freedom of speech here, and we all have to respect that."

"Nobody should be murdered or assassinated because of promoting freedom of speech," Nguyen said..."

Thursday, May 7, 2026

🙏 - Today is National Day of Prayer, 5.7.26 🙏✝️ let us all spend eXtra time talking to God 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🌎

I love praying ❤️✝️🙏

Here are 100 prayer prompts

1. President Donald Trump: For wisdom in executive decisions and leadership.

2. The Vice President: For strength and discernment in their supporting role.

3. The Cabinet: For the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Treasury as they navigate global shifts.

4. The Supreme Court: For justice, integrity, and adherence to the Constitution.

5. The U.S. Senate: Especially as they debate the 2026 budget.

6. The House of Representatives: For unity in serving the American people.

7. 2026 Midterm Candidates: For integrity and peace during the upcoming election cycle.

8. State Governors: For those managing local economies and state-specific challenges.

9. Local Mayors and City Councils: For the safety and flourishing of our cities.

10. The Department of Justice: For fairness and the rule of law.

11. U.S. Intelligence Agencies: For the protection of our borders and digital infrastructure.

12. The Federal Reserve: For wisdom in managing inflation and interest rates.

13. FEMA and Emergency Responders: For those dealing with spring storm seasons.

14. State Legislatures: For the many states currently debating new mid-decade redistricting maps.

15. Election Officials: For the security and transparency of the 2026 voting process.

16. Border Patrol and ICE: For those on the front lines of migration issues.

17. The National Guard: For those deployed domestically for safety and disaster relief.

18. The Department of Education: For the safety and excellence of our schools.

19. Veterans Affairs: For the health and support of those who have served.

20. Diplomats and Ambassadors: For those representing American interests abroad.

## II. Global Conflicts & Peace

21. Iran-U.S. Negotiations: For a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and military buildup.

22. Ukraine: For an end to the war and comfort for the millions displaced.

23. Israel and Gaza: For lasting peace and the protection of innocent civilians.

24. Mali: For those facing the recent surge in insurgent attacks and civil unrest.

25. Myanmar: For the civilians caught in the ongoing civil war.

26. Sudan: For an end to the civil war as it enters its fourth year.

27. Venezuela: For a diplomatic solution to the current tensions with the U.S.

28. Taiwan: For stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

29. Haiti: For the restoration of order and safety from gang violence.

30. The Sahel Region: For those facing terrorism and political instability.

31. Yemen: For the continued efforts to maintain ceasefires and provide aid.

32. Syria: For the 16 million people still requiring humanitarian assistance.

33. The Democratic Republic of Congo: For peace in the eastern provinces.

34. Ethiopia: For continued healing and reconstruction following internal conflicts.

35. South Sudan: For those facing both conflict and extreme flooding.

36. North and South Korea: For the maintenance of peace on the peninsula.

37. Global Peacemakers: For the UN and various Boards of Peace meeting in Davos and elsewhere.

38. Religious Minorities: For those facing persecution in various nations.

39. Military Families: For the families of those deployed in the Middle East and Caribbean.

40. Cybersecurity Teams: For those defending against global state-sponsored digital attacks.

## III. Humanitarian & Social Issues

41. Famine in Sudan: For the millions currently facing starvation.

42. The Global Refugee Crisis: For the 117 million people forcibly displaced worldwide.

43. Human Trafficking Victims: For the rescue and restoration of the vulnerable.

44. The International Migration Review Forum: For the leaders meeting this week in New York.

45. Global Poverty: For the nearly 50% of people in Watchlist countries living in extreme poverty.

46. Health Care Workers: For those serving in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan.

47. Clean Water Access: For communities in sub-Saharan Africa and rural Asia.

48. Educational Access: For children in war-torn areas whose schools have been closed or attacked.

49. Orphans and Foster Children: For loving homes and stable futures.

50. The Elderly: For those facing isolation or lack of care in our own communities.

51. Mental Health: For those struggling with anxiety, depression, and the New World Disorder.

52. Addiction Recovery: For those fighting the opioid and fentanyl crises.

53. Homeless Populations: For the hidden homeless in our suburbs and the visible in our cities.

54. Prisoners and Reform: For those seeking a second chance and for a just legal system.

55. Economic Stability: For families struggling with rising gas and grocery prices.

56. Farmers and Agriculture: For a bountiful harvest and fair markets.

57. Small Business Owners: For those providing jobs and services in our local towns.

58. Victims of Natural Disasters: For those recovering from recent floods in Brazil and East Africa.

59. Religious Freedom: That all may be free to worship according to their conscience.

60. Unity in the Church: That believers would lead the way in love and service.

## IV. People in Our Communities

61. First Responders: For our local police, fire, and EMT departments.

62. Teachers and Professors: For wisdom as they finish the spring semester.

63. Students: For those preparing for graduations and final exams.

64. Parents: For patience and wisdom in raising the next generation.

65. Marriages: For the strengthening of families and commitments.

66. Pastors and Ministry Leaders: For spiritual refreshment and clarity of vision.

67. Doctors and Nurses: For our local hospitals and clinics.

68. The Unemployed: For those searching for meaningful work.

69. Widows and Widowers: For comfort and a supportive community.

70. Youth Leaders: For those mentoring teenagers in a digital age.

71. Scientists and Researchers: For breakthroughs in medicine and technology.

72. Journalists and Media: For a commitment to truth and stories that build unity.

73. Artists and Creators: For those bringing beauty and inspiration to the world.

74. Athletes and Coaches: For integrity and safety in sports.

75. The Sick and Ailing: For healing and peace for those in our local congregations.

76. New Neighbors: For those moving into our communities to feel welcomed.

77. Volunteers: For those giving their time to food banks and shelters.

78. Social Workers: For those navigating the complexities of family services.

79. Truck Drivers and Logistics: For those keeping our supply chains moving.

80. Utility Workers: For those maintaining our power, water, and internet.

## V. Specific Requests for the Future

81. The 2028 Olympics: For the planning and preparation for the upcoming LA games.

82. AI Development: That technology would be used for the benefit of humanity.

83. Space Exploration: For the safety of astronauts on current missions.

84. Climate Stewardship: For wisdom in caring for the environment and resources.

85. Generational Healing: For the mending of divides between young and old.

86. Political Civility: For a return to respectful discourse in our nation.

87. The Gospel: For its continued spread and impact around the world.

88. Bible Translators: For those working to bring the Word to every language.

89. Missions Organizations: For protection for those serving in closed countries.

90. Christian Education: For the growth of schools and universities grounded in faith.

91. Protection of Life: For the most vulnerable from conception to natural death.

92. Racial Reconciliation: For continued progress in understanding and unity.

93. Economic Innovation: For new ideas to solve old problems of scarcity.

94. Integrity in Tech: For the leaders of social media platforms.

95. The Persecuted Church: For the strength and courage of believers in underground churches.

96. Global Literacy: That everyone would have the opportunity to read and learn.

97. Cultural Influence: That the themes of the National Day of Prayer would last all year.

98. Personal Growth: For a renewed heart of service in every individual.

99. Our Childrens Future: For a world of peace and opportunity for the next generation.

100. Thanksgiving: For the freedoms we enjoy and the hope we share.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Re intercessory prayer 🙏

The debate over praying to the saints (intercession) centers on how one interprets the relationship between the living, the deceased, and God. Below is a synthesized look at the primary arguments used by both sides.

Arguments For the Intercession of Saints

Proponents (primarily Catholics and Orthodox Christians) view the Church as a single, undivided family that spans both earth and heaven.

The "One Body" Principle: Based on 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 8:38, believers argue that death cannot separate a Christian from the "Body of Christ." If we are all connected, those in heaven are still our brothers and sisters who care for us.

The "Great Cloud of Witnesses": Hebrews 12:1 describes those who have passed as a "cloud of witnesses" surrounding us. This is interpreted as a sign that they are aware of our lives and cheering us on from the "stands" of heaven.

Biblical Imagery of Prayers: In Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4, elders and angels are seen holding "golden bowls" containing the prayers of the believers on earth. This suggests that those in heaven play an active role in presenting our petitions to God.

The Power of Righteous Prayer: James 5:16 says the prayer of a righteous person is "powerful and effective." Proponents argue that those in heaven are the most righteous humans possible, making their prayers exceptionally effective.

Jesus’ Words on the Living: In Matthew 22:32, Jesus says God is "not the God of the dead, but of the living." This supports the idea that saints are fully conscious and active, not "asleep" or unreachable.

Arguments Against the Intercession of Saints

Opponents (primarily Protestant denominations) emphasize the sufficiency of Christ and the strict boundaries set in Scripture regarding prayer.

The Sole Mediatorship of Christ: The most cited verse is 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." Critics argue that asking saints for help creates unnecessary "middlemen" when we have direct access to God.

The Limit of Human Nature

: Critics argue that for a saint to hear millions of simultaneous, silent prayers in different languages, they would need to be omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere at once). They believe these attributes belong to God alone.

The Silence of the New Testament: Opponents point out that there is no command in the Bible to pray to the deceased, nor do the Apostles ever model this behavior in their letters. They follow the principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone).

Prohibition of Necromancy: Some argue that any attempt to communicate with those who have died violates Deuteronomy 18:10-11, which forbids consulting the dead. They believe the boundary between the living and the dead should not be crossed.

The Sufficiency of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:26 says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray. Critics argue that with the Spirit and Jesus already advocating for us, seeking saints is a distraction from the Trinity.

Summary Comparison

| Feature | Pro-Intercession Perspective | Anti-Intercession Perspective |

|---|---|---|

| Status of Saints | Alive and active in Christ. | Dead or "asleep" until the Resurrection. |

| Nature of Prayer | Like asking a friend to pray for you. | An act of worship or communication reserved for God. |

| How they hear | Through God’s power/the Holy Spirit. | Impossible; humans are not omniscient. |

| Biblical Focus | Revelation 5:8 (Prayers in bowls) | 1 Timothy 2:5 (One Mediator) |

Whether your relatives in heaven can hear you depends on which theological framework you follow. Here is the breakdown of the two primary views:

The Yes Perspective (Communion of Saints)

This view, held by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some Anglicans, suggests that your relatives are active and aware.

The Mystical Connection: Believers argue that the Body of Christ is not broken by death. If we are all one in Jesus, those in heaven remain connected to those on earth.

The Cloud of Witnesses: Based on Hebrews 12:1, it is believed that the deceased act as a cloud of witnesses who observe and support the living.

How they hear: It is not believed that humans become all-knowing when they die. Instead, through their perfect union with God, he allows them to be aware of your prayers and needs so they can pray for you in return.

The No Perspective (Sole Mediatorship)

This view, held by most Protestant denominations, suggests that communication with the deceased is neither possible nor biblically supported.

Christ as the Only Bridge: Based on 1 Timothy 2:5, which states there is one mediator between God and mankind, critics argue that we should go directly to Jesus. They believe involving relatives creates middlemen that aren't needed.

Soul Sleep: Some interpret the Bible to mean the dead are asleep or at rest (as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13) until the final resurrection, meaning they are not conscious of earthly events.

Human Limitations: This view argues that hearing prayers would require a relative to be everywhere at once (omnipresent), which is a trait belonging only to God.

Summary

If intercessory prayer includes the deceased, it is seen as a family conversation where those in heaven pray with you to God. If it is rejected, it is because prayer is seen as an act of worship meant only for God, with the deceased having no role in earthly affairs.