Veto Session Prayer Requests

Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield this week for the second half of the Veto Session. They’re scheduled to meet Tuesday through Thursday and may consider several contentious issues.

One topic reportedly under discussion is the possibility of redrawing the state’s congressional map in hopes of securing an additional Democrat seat ahead of next year’s election. With Democrats already holding 14 of Illinois’ 17 seats, most political observers doubt that goal is attainable, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be attempted.

We’re also closely monitoring potential efforts to legalize physician-assisted suicide and impose new government regulations on homeschool families. While these bills appear to have stalled for now, please continue praying that they remain shelved and inactive.

Another issue likely to resurface is the expansion of Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, as many Chicago Democrats are determined to resist federal immigration enforcement efforts. Please pray that lawmakers would act with wisdom and courage—and that those who oppose lawlessness would not grow weary in doing good.

Bailey Family Tragedy

Please join us in praying for former State Senator Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy as they grieve the unimaginable loss of their son Zachary, daughter-in-law Jaclyn, and their beloved grandchildren, who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash. Pray that the Lord will surround the Bailey family with His comfort, peace, and sustaining grace in this time of overwhelming sorrow.

May God especially help their 10-year-old grandson, Finn, who was the only family member not on the helicopter. Pray that the Lord will hold him close as he seeks to cope with this earth-shattering loss. Lord, please have mercy.

Gambling Corruption

On the national front, the FBI and Department of Justice recently announced the arrest of more than 30 individuals in a massive, tech-driven gambling bust involving organized crime families and personnel connected to the National Basketball Association (NBA).

For years, IFI and other Christian organizations have warned that legalized gambling would corrupt professional sports, politicians, and victimize hardworking citizens—and that’s exactly what’s happening. The line between competition and corruption grows thinner every year as scandals erupt across leagues, lawmakers grow cozy with casino lobbyists, and families are torn apart by addiction and debt. What was marketed as “harmless entertainment” has become a moral and social cancer—one that preys on human weakness and erodes the integrity of our culture.

A quick, informal poll of friends and social media followers revealed that no one was surprised by the FBI’s announcement. Many believe the corruption reaches far beyond the NBA—and they’re probably right.

According to a 2024 article from WGLT, about 4% of Illinois adults suffer from a gambling disorder, while another 7% are at risk. That’s more than 1.1 million people across our state whose lives and families hang in the balance.

Legalized gambling is anything but good public policy.

Please Pray:

• That hearts across America would turn from pride and rebellion to humility before God. Ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit, bringing repentance, renewal, and revival from the church house to the White House (2 Chronicles 7:14).

• That lies, propaganda, and deception would be exposed—whether in politics, media, or education—and that truth would once again be valued and defended (John 8:32).

• That lawmakers would stand firm against destructive legislation. That God would convict the hearts of our policy makers regarding the sanctity of human life – from conception to natural death. (Psalm 139:13-16; John 10:10)

• That the Lord would raise up righteous leaders who would resist the corruption of money and power. Ask Him to establish and bless righteous leaders who fear Him, love truth, and uphold justice. Pray for courage among lawmakers and law enforcement officers to resist corruption and protect the innocent (Proverbs 29:2).

• That the Lord would protect those serving to uphold the law amid violent protests and growing hostility. Ask God to shield them from harm, strengthen their resolve, and comfort them and their families (Romans 13:1–4).

• That the Lord would restrain evil and soften hardened hearts. Ask Him to bring conviction, repentance, and transformation to those driven by hatred or deception (Ezekiel 36:26).

• Pray that the Lord would convict Mayor Brandon Johnson and all those who continually promote the politics of victimhood and grievance. May their hearts be softened, their eyes opened to truth, and their complaints turned into praises for God’s goodness. Ask that they would develop gratitude for the blessings and freedoms we enjoy as a nation under His providence.

• That God would pour out His mercy, which is new every day, on the millions enslaved by addiction and moral confusion. (Lamentations 3:22-23; John 8:36)

• That the Holy Spirit would awaken leaders in our state and nation so that truth, virtue, and self-government under God would be restored. (Isaiah 55:7; James 4:8)

• That Christian men and women would lead by example—showing both courage and compassion—and that believers would stand as peacemakers who speak truth in love, bridging divides with the hope of Christ (Acts 22:15; Ephesians 4:15).