News on Knees | The Prayer Podcast

Maduro Captured Caracas Raid, Trump Ban Home Investors, Gmail AI Assistant, Minneapolis ICE Shooting, Artemis II Launch, World Cup 2026, US 250th Anniversary

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: Good morning, everyone. Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026. With only 8 days into the new year, so much is already happening.Here are the current events we’re praying about:1. U.S. Special Forces Raid Captures Venezuelan President MaduroU.S. special forces raided Caracas on January 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transported to New York to face federal drug and terrorism charges. The U.S. announced it will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely and direct the proceeds. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. efforts against the Maduro regime.2. Trump Proposes Ban on Institutional Investors Buying Single-Family HomesPresident Trump announced plans to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, arguing corporations are driving up prices and forcing families into renting. The proposal aims to make homeownership more accessible for everyday buyers. Details on implementation remain forthcoming.3. Google Enhances Gmail with Advanced AI FeaturesGoogle is integrating more artificial intelligence into Gmail, transforming it into a personal assistant capable of improving writing, summarizing inbox information, and generating daily to-do lists. The updates aim to boost productivity for users. The enhancements build on existing AI tools in the world's most popular email service.4. ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Woman in Minneapolis, Sparking OutrageAn ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, claiming self-defense, a justification Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed as "BS." Frey demanded federal immigration forces withdraw from the city, affirming support for immigrant and refugee communities. The incident has heightened local tensions.5. Artemis II Moon Mission Targeted for February-April 2026 LaunchNASA's Artemis II mission, the next step in returning humans to the moon, is scheduled for launch between February and April 2026. The 10-day flight will send four astronauts around the moon to test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft in deep space. The mission is critical for evaluating systems ahead of future lunar landings.6. 2026 FIFA World Cup Expands to 48 Teams Across North AmericaThe 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for this summer, will feature a record 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—the first tri-nation hosting. The expanded format includes 104 matches over 39 days.7. U.S. Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Independence in 2026Lastly, the United States will mark its 250th birthday this year, 2026,  commemorating the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776. Nationwide events are planned to honor America's history and sovereignty.Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: storykingmedia@gmail.com, Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.Sources: Maduro Captured Caracas Raid US Control of Venezuelan OilTrump Ban Home InvestorsGmail AI AssistantMinneapolis ICE ShootingArtemis II Launch, World Cup 2026 and US 250th Anniversary

Merry Christmas! Luke 2:1-20

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: Luke, chapter 2, verse 1-20.2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.Merry Christmas, everyone!Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: storykingmedia@gmail.com, Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.And if this show blesses you, if you believe in the work we’re doing, would you consider supporting News on Knees on Patreon? Just a few dollars a month will keep it going and growing, so we can continue flooding the world with prayer instead of panic.All instructions, links, and news sources will be in the show notes.I leave you with:Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Until next time…Sources: Luke 2

Psalm 119, Part 1, 1-32

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: Happy Sunday, everyone. Today I’ll be reading from Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in the Bible, weighing in at 176 verses. I’ll be breaking this verse down in several Sunday installments. So here is part 1 of Psalm 119:1-32.Psalm 119א Aleph1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,    who walk according to the law of the Lord.2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes    and seek him with all their heart—3 they do no wrong    but follow his ways.4 You have laid down precepts    that are to be fully obeyed.5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast    in obeying your decrees!6 Then I would not be put to shame    when I consider all your commands.7 I will praise you with an upright heart    as I learn your righteous laws.8 I will obey your decrees;    do not utterly forsake me.ב Beth9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?    By living according to your word.10 I seek you with all my heart;    do not let me stray from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you.12 Praise be to you, Lord;    teach me your decrees.13 With my lips I recount    all the laws that come from your mouth.14 I rejoice in following your statutes    as one rejoices in great riches.15 I meditate on your precepts    and consider your ways.16 I delight in your decrees;    I will not neglect your word.ג Gimel17 Be good to your servant while I live,    that I may obey your word.18 Open my eyes that I may see    wonderful things in your law.19 I am a stranger on earth;    do not hide your commands from me.20 My soul is consumed with longing    for your laws at all times.21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,    those who stray from your commands.22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,    for I keep your statutes.23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,    your servant will meditate on your decrees.24 Your statutes are my delight;    they are my counselors.ד Daleth25 I am laid low in the dust;    preserve my life according to your word.26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;    teach me your decrees.27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.28 My soul is weary with sorrow;    strengthen me according to your word.29 Keep me from deceitful ways;    be gracious to me and teach me your law.30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;    I have set my heart on your laws.31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;    do not let me be put to shame.32 I run in the path of your commands,    for you have broadened my understanding.Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: storykingmedia@gmail.com, Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.And if this show blesses you, if you believe in the work we’re doing, would you consider supporting News on Knees on Patreon? Just a few dollars a month will keep it going and growing, so we can continue flooding the world with prayer instead of panic.Sources: Psalm 119

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS X-Ray Discovery, Trump Green Card Suspension, Brown Shooter Suicide, Fire Commissioner Hero Death

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: Good afternoon, everyone. It is Friday, December 19, 2025. One quick correction. In the last episode, I was pronouncing Rob Reiner’s (Rye-ner) last name wrong. I was saying “Rayner” when it is in fact “Rye-ner.” My apologies. Such a horrific tragedy, though. Let’s continue to lift his loved ones up in prayer.Here are the stories we’re praying about today:1. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Closest Approach Yields X-Ray BreakthroughInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed object from another star system, made its closest Earth approach on December 19, 2025, at 167 million miles, allowing unprecedented X-ray observations by JAXA's XRISM and ESA's XMM-Newton telescopes. The data revealed X-ray emissions extending 400,000 kilometers from the nucleus and signatures of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, offering insights into material formed around a distant star. The comet's non-gravitational acceleration was attributed to natural outgassing, debunking artificial origin claims.2. Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery Linked to Brown/MIT ShootingsPresident Trump ordered the suspension of the U.S. green-card lottery program on December 18, 2025, after authorities linked it to the entry of the gunman responsible for shootings at Brown University (killing two students, injuring nine on Dec. 13) and the home of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro (killed on Dec. 15), Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem announced. The same shooter was responsible for both incidents. The move aims to address security vulnerabilities in the program.3. Brown University Shooter Found Dead by SuicideClaudio Neves Valente, 48, a former Brown University student and Portuguese national, was found dead by suicide on December 18, 2025, in a Salem, New Hampshire storage facility, ending the manhunt for the Brown/MIT shooter. Investigators used a custodian's observations and an anonymous Reddit post to track him, noting his sophisticated efforts to evade detection with untraceable phones and avoiding personal credit cards. Valente was linked to the attacks killing three and injuring nine.4. Fire Commissioner Dies of Heart Attack During Hiker RescueMichael Joseph Ryan, 61, a retired veteran cop and Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Department commissioner, died of a heart attack on December 14, 2025, while rescuing a stranded young hiker on Panther Mountain in the Catskills. Ryan responded to an SOS signal alongside firefighters. His family described his death as the "ultimate sacrifice" for a man who always prioritized others' lives.Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: storykingmedia@gmail.com, Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.Sources: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS X-Ray DiscoveryTrump Green Card SuspensionBrown Shooter SuicideFire Commissioner Hero Death

Rob Reiner’s Son Murder Charge, Brown University Shooting Manhunt, Jobs Report Slowdown, Sydney Hanukkah Terror Attack

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: 1. Nick Reiner Accused of Killing Parents Rob and MicheleNick Reiner, 32-year-old son of director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, is accused of stabbing his parents to death in their Brentwood home, discovered by their daughter yesterday, December 15. The case against him will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration today. The double homicide has shocked Hollywood. Aside from the news story links, I’m also sharing a link from the Guardian with what’s considered a list of Reiner’s top 5 films, including When Harry Met Sally.2. Brown University Lecture Hall Shooting Manhunt OngoingA gunman shot nearly a dozen students in a crowded lecture hall at Brown University this past Sunday, during exam season; the search continues after a person of interest was released without charges. Limited security footage has stalled leads, prompting criticism of campus safety and investigation pace. The attack has traumatized the Providence community.3. U.S. Jobs Report: Hiring Slows, Unemployment Hits 4.6%The December U.S. jobs report showed employers added only 64,000 jobs in November, following a 105,000 loss in October, with unemployment rising to 4.6%—the highest since September 2021. The data reflects labor market cooling amid economic uncertainty. Federal job cuts contributed significantly to the slowdown.4. Sydney Hanukkah Attack: 15 Killed in ISIS-Inspired TerrorismTwo gunmen killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event on Sydney's Bondi Beach yesterday, in Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, investigated as ISIS-inspired terrorism targeting the Jewish community. The attackers had traveled to the Philippines beforehand. The incident has led to national mourning and calls for enhanced security.So let’s pray…Heavenly Father,For the tragic loss of Rob and Michele Reiner, allegedly at the hands of their son, we pray for profound comfort for their daughter and family in this unimaginable grief; let truth emerge gently, and may Your healing touch mend shattered hearts.Lord, we lift up the wounded students and terrified community at Brown University after the lecture hall shooting; protect the campus, grant swift wisdom to investigators, and surround every affected life with Your peace that surpasses understanding.We bring before You the slowing job market and rising unemployment; provide for families facing uncertainty, open new doors of opportunity, and guide leaders to policies that strengthen workers and restore economic hope.For the deadly Hanukkah attack in Sydney, we mourn with the Jewish community and all who grieve; bring swift justice, deep healing to the wounded, and Your light to overcome such unspeakable hatred.In your name, Jesus, we pray,Amen.Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: storykingmedia@gmail.com, Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.And if this show blesses you, if you believe in the work we’re doing, would you consider supporting News on Knees on Patreon? Just a few dollars a month will keep it going and growing, so we can continue flooding the world with prayer instead of panic.Sources: Rob Reiner's Son Murder ChargeNick Reiner’s ArrestRob Reiner’s Top 5 MoviesBrown University Shooting ManhuntJobs Report SlowdownSydney Hanukkah Terror Attack