On January 13, 2005, President George W. Bush asked Americans to pray for the safety of those attending next week's U.S. inauguration, for the end-of-the-month election in Iraq, for the victims of the tsunami and those involved in the $4B relief effort, for the victims of the mudslides in Southern California, for the life of Martin Luther King and ongoing civil rights concerns in the U.S., for those leaders involved in Social Security reform, for Michael Chertoff, America's new Homeland Security Director, for all other cabinet appointees and leaders of the United States and around the world.

More specifically, here is what is top of mind on Week 2, 2005.

The Inauguration, January 18th

President Bush asks Americans to pray that God's Spirit will completely surround Washington, D.C. with His protection and care throughout the inaugural activities next week, and that everything done will honor the Lord.

Iraq's January 30th Elections

As the January 30 date for elections in Iraq approaches, Bush asks that citizens of America pray for a quelling of the insurgency and resistance on the part of a small number of Iraqis.

Pray for the efforts of both American troops and Iraqi police and security forces, and pray that every Iraqi will be able to vote freely and without fear.

The Tsunami Victims & Relief Support

Pray for the victims of the Indian Ocean region, for the survivors, for the members of our military bringing relief, for all agencies and workers and that those who represent Christ in their relief efforts will show His love unconditionally, drawing others to Him.

Give thanks for the generous response of over $4 billion on the part of the nations of the world.

The Victims in Southern California

Pray for the victims of the flooding and mudslides in Southern California to be comforted by God's grace and strength and receive the assistance they need.

Dr. Martin Luther King & Racial Equality

Give thanks for the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and pray for the ongoing concerns of civil rights and racial equality in our nation.

Leaders Driving Social Security Reform

Pray for the President and his advisors as they consider the best ways to reform Social Security.

Homeland Security Director, Michael Chertoff

Thank God for the appointment of Homeland Security Director, Michael Chertoff.

Pray for him and all other cabinet appointees as they continue Senate confirmation hearings.

John Lind, the head of Bush's Presidential Prayer Team said this week:

We have heard from many of our members of the outpouring of prayer, finances, and support for the victims of the great tragedy in the Bay of Bengal.

As the U.S. fulfills its commitment, I think of the many troops being deployed into this region.

Please pray for them as they serve in this way.

If you know someone in the Armed Forces who needs prayer, please register them by clicking here.

If you would like to adopt a troop for prayer click here.

We can do our part in prayer!

I am confident you will also join me in praying for the events of the inauguration next week.

With security concerns high, we have the perfect opportunity to pray for God's consecration of the entire inauguration, as well as our need to commit this president anew to God's leadership and wise guidance.

At the time of this post, of America's 157,276 troops, 985,638 members of President Bush's Presidential Prayer Team have signed up to "adopt" one or more service men and women. Already this year, 1,739 troops have been "adopted."

About The Presidential Prayer Team

Many across America and Americans in other countries are heeding the call to pray for our President.

In a short time since the September 11 terrorist attacks, well over a million people have registered their promise to pray daily for the President.

That number is increasing by the thousands of new team members every month.

News of The Presidential Prayer Team is spreading rapidly throughout America as people march to the tempo of an almost forgotten tune, "God Bless America."

This independent, nonprofit organization behind The Presidential Prayer Team, has a singular purpose: to encourage Americans to pray daily for the President, the Cabinet, the troops serving our nation and the world.

Among those putting their names behind The Presidential Prayer Team are: Singer Michael W. Smith, author Joni Eareckson Tada, Senator Jon Kyl, author Bill McCartney, Thomas Kinkade, Jack Hayford, Jerry Colangelo, John Maxwell, Henry Blackaby, David Jeremiah, Paul Cedar, Ron Blue, and Ted Haggard.

To learn more about the U.S. Presidential Prayer Team, go to:

For the Presidential Prayer Team Devotional & Journals go to:

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "relying on a power greater than our nation's leaders" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King