Several Items of Interest

No Flare Up In Syria
Christians with eyes on the Middle East are giving thanks for God's restraining providence in the Syria-U.S.-Iran-Israel-Russia mix-up over President Obama's earlier "red line" comment.  Diplomatic interchanges have come and gone, as has the United Nations expected confrontation.  Although the situation is still tender and potentially explosive, no further overt confrontation has triggered rockets, nor has Israel been attacked by Iran as "collateral damage."  Nothing is settled yet, so intercessors should watch and pray.                      (The Washington Post, 9/20/13)

Unfinished Business
Even though the Fort Hood shooter is where he belongs, on death row, his victims remain in limbo.  The administration classified the 2009 massacre on the Texas military base as "workplace violence" instead of what it was: the assault of an Islamic militant upon our military here at home.  The real-life consequence of the designation is that the victims aren't being properly compensated for their loss.  Pray for a review to address the inequity.
  (Your News Now, 9/26/13)

Spiritual Awakening in Iran
According to Middle East-watcher and Christian author, Joel Rosenberg, an historic spiritual awakening is under way in Iran.  Rosenberg recently interviewed Dr. Hormoz Shariat, whom he calls "the Billy Graham of Iran" and "the foremost Iranian evangelist and Bible teacher in the world."  During the interview last month, Dr. Shariat reported that  "more Iranians have renounced Islam and come to faith in Jesus Christ in the last three decades, than in the last 14 centuries combined."  He went on to say there are an estimated one million followers of Christ inside Iran, and that there continues to be a great hunger among Persian-speaking people to hear and understand God's word and the power of the Gospel message.  Pray accordingly for similar interventions to spread far and wide.
  (Joel Rosenberg Blog, 10/13)

Pray For the Persecuted Church
On Nov. 3 or Nov. 10, 2013 join a global day of intercession for suffering Christians in countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and more.  Please note that while these Sundays are the designated dates for International Day of Prayer (IDOP), you may choose another date.  From the IDOP website: "In the traditional church calendar, 'All Saints Day' and 'All Souls Day' stand out in November to remember the saints of the Church and the souls of those who departed this world.  It is fitting, then, that the modern church has set apart the month of November to remember those facing martyrdom and to pray for the persecuted Church."  See both www.idop.org and www.onewiththem.com.