The mountain of work before us is overwhelming… and yet the urgency of the hour never lets up.

Earlier this week, we alerted you to a wave of dangerous legislation moving through Springfield — bills that would force taxpayers to fund abortions, allow minors to obtain birth control without parental involvement, create a third sex designation on state IDs, extend voting to prisoners, create state-sponsored drug houses, and even establish government “misinformation response units” to monitor speech and enforce state-approved narratives. (For a full Opposed list, download the Springfield Update.)

During times like these, I am so thankful that the Spirit reminds me:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

and

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

When I pause to meditate on these verses and seek God in prayer, I’m reminded of His many promises concerning anxiety — Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; and Psalm 29:11. These passages call us to bring every concern to Him with prayer and thanksgiving, trusting that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. He alone is our source of strength.

Spiritual Warfare is real, and we must intentionally seek God in prayer, so that we may be able to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11-13) No matter the challenges we face, it is wise to start by counting our blessings and being grateful.

Being Thankful

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

• Colossians 3:17 —“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

• Ephesians 5:20 —“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Psalm 107:1 —“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!”

• Psalm 136:1 — “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

Acknowledge Spiritual Warfare (John 8:44, Eph. 6:10-18, James 4:7)

• Pray against the spiritual forces at work in our culture — seen in hatred, addiction, racism, violence, and sexual brokenness. Pray that God would bring conviction, repentance, and renewal, and that the push to expand abortion would be turned back as hearts and minds are transformed.

• Pray against and resist the devil, who is a liar and the father of lies, who comes only to steal, kill and destroy those whom God loves.

• Pray against the lies that have taken people captives – lies that claim we are not created in the image of God; that God did not create male and female as unique, beautiful, and distinct; and that God did not create the human race.

• Pray for those who stand in opposition to the Word of God (Acts 26:18) and for those who are being persecuted for their Christian faith around the world.

• Pray that God would send His angels to minister to us and to engage in this spiritual battle, strengthening His people and advancing the glory of His Son. (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103:20)

Your Will Be Done (Matthew 6:10) 

• Pray that God’s will would be done: That He would work through us to rescue babies from abortion and turn hearts and minds toward life. Slavery was once considered normal, yet it is now rightly condemned. May God bring about the day when abortion is viewed with the same moral clarity and conviction.

• Pray that God’s will would be done in preserving religious freedom for every citizen. Thank Him that we do not yet face the level of persecution seen in many parts of the world. At the same time, we recognize these freedoms are fragile, and we ask Him to protect our ability to worship and to freely live out our faith — both privately and in the public square.

• Pray that the Lord would uphold and honor His design for marriage and the family. Pray against the forces seeking to confuse the next generation about their identity and sexuality. And pray for a culture marked by godly manhood and womanhood — faithful marriages, and parents and grandparents who intentionally pass on faith and character.

• Pray for election integrity: that the U.S. Senate would pass the SAVE America Act. Pray for Illinois Family Action and our legal challenge regarding our state’s obligation to clean up the voter rolls.

• Pray that the Lord would frustrate the efforts of organizations and groups that seek to pass evil laws in Illinois, causing their schemes to fail.

• Pray for our state lawmakers as they continue in this legislative session — through May 31st. Pray that they would focus on laws and policies that honor God and help the families of the state.

• Pray for the ICE agents and their families. Pray that God would send chaos and confusion into the camps of those who are intent on harming these federal agents and protecting the criminals who are here illegally.

• Pray that our Muslim neighbors would hear and understand the Good News of the gospel, and come to embrace the love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

Pray for President Trump (1 Timothy 2:2; Daniel 2:21, Romans 13)

• Pray that President Trump would humbly acknowledge Almighty God and seek His wisdom in all he is called to accomplish. Pray that he would be surrounded by godly advisors who provide wise counsel and consistently uphold him in prayer.

• Pray for President Trump as he carries out his duties as Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces. Pray for the safety of our troops and for wisdom and success in confronting the threats posed by the Islamic regime in Iran. Pray that this mission would be accomplished swiftly and with minimal loss of life.

• Pray that the Lord would give President Trump wisdom beyond himself, wisdom that is rooted in God’s Word, so that he would lead with justice and compassion.

(AI tools & IFI staff assisted with proofreading and clarity;
the author made all final content decisions.)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever.  Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21