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The United States and China are in a war—but it’s not a war with economic sanctions or nuclear weapons. It’s a battle to conquer dominance in the nascent Artificial Intelligence industry.
Just as the United States and the Soviet Union vied for supremacy in the space race—a competition that spurred unprecedented technological advancements—China and the U.S. are duking it out for AI dominance.
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has been vocal about the need for the U.S. to bolster its AI capabilities. He advocates for a significant government push in AI innovation, similar to an “Apollo program for the age of AI,” to stay competitive against China.
Indeed, a new race is underway—and the stakes are monumental. Both nations are investing heavily to secure leadership in a technology poised to redefine economies, militaries, and societies.
This is Jennifer LeClaire, and this is Praying the News. On today’s broadcast we’ll look at this critical race to the top of AI, the danger of AI getting into the wrong hands and, of course, we’ll pray the news. Today’s broadcast is brought to you by Awakening Prayer Hubs. We’re raising up prayer warriors all over the world. You would be next. Learn more at www.awakeningprayerhubs.com/new.
The United States currently leads in AI innovation, with private investments reaching $67.2 billion last year, compared to China’s $7.8 billion. However, according to the Associated Press, China is working hard to close the gap.
A 2023 study by think tank MacroPolo found that, as of 2022, 57% of “elite” AI researchers worked in the US, compared with only 12% in China. At the same time, China was the country of origin for 26% of elite researchers, versus 28% for the US, according to Global Finance magazine.
Moreover, according to Stanford University’s Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, China’s government venture capital funds have invested $912 billion over the past decade, with 23% directed toward AI-related firms.
Recent Developments: DeepSeek’s Emergence
A pivotal moment occurred with the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that developed an AI model comparable to leading U.S. systems but at a fraction of the cost. DeepSeek’s model, R1, was trained in around 55 days for $5.58 million, significantly less than the hundreds of millions typically spent by U.S. companies, according to AP News.
Barron’s reports this development sent shockwaves through global markets, leading to a significant decline in AI-related stocks. Nvidia’s shares, for instance, fell by as much as 17%.
What’s at Stake?
Consider the danger of AI getting into the wrong hands. Malicious actors could develop AI-powered autonomous weapons, which could operate without human oversight. This increases the risk of unintended casualties or escalation of conflict. AI could be used to launch sophisticated cyberattacks, such as hacking critical infrastructure, disabling power grids, or manipulating financial systems.
Elon Musk said, “The prospect of AI arms races and autonomous weapons presents a terrifying future where machines, not humans, decide matters of life and death.”
Then there’s mass surveillance and oppression. Governments or corporations could use AI to implement intrusive surveillance systems, monitoring every aspect of people’s lives. I could be leveraged to track and target dissidents, religious minorities, or political opponents, as has been seen in cases of facial recognition technology used in China to suppress the Uyghurs.
Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli medievalist, military historian, public intellectual, and popular science writer, said. “The tools of oppression in the hands of a tyrannical regime are magnified by AI’s ability to surveil and control.”
Let’s not forget misinformation and manipulation. AI-generated content could be used to spread disinformation by creating hyper-realistic fake videos or audio of world leaders, destabilizing societies and undermining trust in institutions. AI can analyze voter behavior and craft highly targeted propaganda, potentially undermining democracy.
Tim Berners-Lee, an English computer scientist best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web, said, “AI-powered disinformation campaigns are becoming one of the biggest threats to truth and trust in society.”
Then there are criminal activities. AI in the wrong hands could automate phishing, identity theft, and ransomware attacks, making these activities more effective and harder to stop. While AI can accelerate medical discoveries, it could also be used to develop chemical or biological weapons.
Indeed, the dangers go on and on.
So how should we pray?
Christians should approach the AI race and its potential dangers with a spirit of discernment, faith, and intercession, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for how this technology is developed, used, and governed. Here are specific ways Christians can pray:
1. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
Pray that leaders, innovators, and policymakers in the AI field would be guided by wisdom, ethical principles, and the fear of the Lord.
Ask God to give Christians in leadership roles discernment to influence AI development for good and to expose any misuse or malicious intentions.
Prayer Example: Lord, grant wisdom to those in positions of influence over AI. May they act with integrity and humility, seeking what is just and good for humanity rather than selfish gain. Help Christians in leadership to be voices of truth and righteousness.
2. Pray for Righteous Leadership
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
Pray that God raises up righteous leaders in technology and government who will ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly.
Intercede for the removal of corrupt or self-serving individuals who might misuse AI to exploit or oppress others.
Prayer Example: Heavenly Father, establish righteous leaders in the realms of technology and government. Remove those who seek power for evil purposes, and bring forward individuals who will glorify You in their decisions.
3. Pray Against Misuse of AI
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Pray against the use of AI for harmful purposes, such as surveillance, oppression, misinformation, or warfare.
Declare that AI technologies will not be tools of destruction but will serve humanity in alignment with God’s purposes.
Prayer Example: Lord, we come against any attempt to use AI for evil. We bind every scheme of the enemy that seeks to bring harm through technology. Let every tool developed be used to promote life, freedom, and dignity for all
4. Pray for Global Cooperation
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Pray for nations to work together in establishing ethical guidelines for AI development, preventing an arms race or harmful competition.
Intercede for global agreements that prioritize the good of humanity over national or corporate interests.
Prayer Example: Father, bring unity among nations to ensure AI is governed with fairness and accountability. Let cooperation and peace prevail over competition and pride.
5. Pray for Ethical Innovation
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Pray for God to inspire innovation that aligns with His values of justice, mercy, and truth.
Ask God to give Christian innovators creative strategies to use AI for advancing the Kingdom of God, alleviating suffering, and spreading the Gospel.
Prayer Example: Lord, inspire ethical and Kingdom-minded innovation in the field of AI. Show Your people how to use this technology to bring healing, hope, and truth to the world.
6. Pray for Protection Against Exploitation
“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:4)
Pray for protection over vulnerable populations who could be exploited by AI, such as those under surveillance or those losing jobs to automation.
Intercede for laws and systems that protect human dignity and ensure fair access to technological benefits.
Prayer Example: Father, protect the vulnerable from exploitation through AI. Let no technology diminish the value of human life or the rights of the oppressed. Bring justice and fairness in every decision.
7. Pray for the Church to Respond
“The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” (Daniel 11:32)
Pray for the Church to be alert and proactive in addressing the ethical, social, and spiritual implications of AI.
Ask God to raise up Christian thought leaders, theologians, and technologists who can guide the Body of Christ in responding wisely to the challenges and opportunities of AI.
Prayer Example: Lord, awaken Your Church to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Raise up voices of wisdom and truth who will guide Your people to respond in faith, not fear.
Pray for Revival Amidst Innovation
Scripture to Pray: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Pray that AI advancements lead to opportunities for the Gospel to reach new places and people.
Intercede for God to use AI as a tool to spark revival, whether through global communication, translation of Scripture, or creative evangelism.
Prayer Example: Father, use every advancement in AI to spread Your Gospel to the ends of the earth. Let technology be a vessel for Your Kingdom to advance, bringing salvation, hope, and life to every nation.
Prayer is our most powerful response to the rapid advancements in AI. Through prayer, we partner with God to ensure that His purposes prevail, that justice is established, and that technology is used to glorify Him and bless humanity. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Let us pray fervently and trust God to guide this race for His glory.
Today’s broadcast is brought to you by Awakening Prayer Hubs. We’re raising up prayer warriors all over the world. You would be next. Learn more at www.awakeningprayerhubs.com/new.