Prayer Points Archives - The Prayer Relay Movement

Prayer Relay Movement April 6, 2023 Leave a Comment

Prayer for the State of Iowa

Share this with someone

Pray for Iowa State

Page Contents

As the state of Iowa stands at the crossroads of progress and challenges, it is important to pause and reflect on the power of prayer. With its fertile farmland, vibrant cities and welcoming communities, Iowa has been a beacon of hope and resilience for generations. In these uncertain times, however, we must remember that our words and actions can determine the course of our collective destiny. Through the lens of lexical semantics, let us explore the meaning of prayer for the state of Iowa and how it can strengthen our bonds, lift our spirits, and pave the way for a brighter future.

Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

As followers of Christ, we are called to lift up our communities in prayer and intercession. This post is intended to guide your prayers for the state of Iowa, focusing on economic stability, safety, and its residents’ overall health and happiness. We need to pray for our politicians, regardless of our personal opinions of them, because they play a critical role in shaping the state’s future. Let us unite in faith and lift Iowa and its residents to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.

Quick Brief

Population

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, as of 2019, Iowa’s estimated population is 3,155,070 people, up 108,199 from the 2010 population [1][5]. Other sources, including the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Independent Voter Project, also confirm that Iowa’s estimated population in 2019 was 3,155,070 [3][10]. Iowa’s population has steadily increased, with 2,926,324 people in 2000 and 3,046,355 people in 2010 [2]. Iowa is the 31st most populous state in the US [6]. Its population is spread across 99 counties and 944 incorporated towns and cities, with Des Moines being the most populous city with a population of 204,220 [3].

GDP

According to the latest available data, Iowa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 was approximately $219.842 billion [3]. Other sources, such as data.iowa.gov and fred.stlouisfed.org, also confirm that Iowa’s GDP has been growing in real terms over the past five years and has reached the highest level recorded to date [1][4][8]. Furthermore, the finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing industry added the most real value to Iowa’s GDP in 2021 [5]. It is important to note that Iowa’s economy has evolved, and although it was once an agricultural state, it is now diversified [7]. Iowa’s GDP has increased since 2010; as of 2021, it is approximately $219.842 billion [3].

Leadership

Kim Reynolds has been the governor of Iowa since 2017 and has had a long career in politics, serving as Lieutenant Governor and a state senator. Reynolds was elected as the 43rd governor of Iowa in 2017. She was the first woman elected to the state’s highest office in November 2018 [2]. Before being elected as Governor, Reynolds served as the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 2011 to 2017; before that, she served as a state senator [10].

Frank Cownie is the mayor of Des Moines, Iowa, and has served in this role since 2004. [5] Mayor Cownie is a native of Des Moines and grew up attending Theodore Roosevelt High School and Iowa State University. [1]

Mayor Cownie is known for his dedication to environmental advocacy and community development. He is the president of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a group based in Germany that works with local leaders on environmental, economic, and social problems. [2] Cownie has also gained more international influence as an environmental advocate since the last election. [4]

Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are Iowa’s senators[2]. Senator Grassley has been serving in office since 1981 [1]. Ernst was elected to the Senate in 2014 but officially took office in January 2015 [5]. Both senators have extensive political careers, with Senator Grassley previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator Ernst serving in the Iowa State Senate and the Iowa Army National Guard [3][5]. While they are dedicated to serving the people of Iowa, they have also faced criticism from some Iowa residents and organizations for their political stances and actions [2][9][10].

Economy

Agriculture is a major contributor to Iowa’s economy, as the state is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for farming. Over 85% of Iowa’s land is farmed, with corn and soybeans being the state’s top crops [5][4]. Iowa is also home to several major corporations, including John Deere, Casey’s General Stores, and Rockwell Collins, contributing to the state’s economy through job creation and revenue generation [1][2].

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the top three occupations in Iowa by employment were Retail Salespersons, Cashiers, and Registered Nurses [1]. Agriculture is a significant industry in Iowa, and the state has a high percentage of workers in the agriculture sector. The BLS reports that in May 2020, approximately 7.3% of Iowa’s employment was in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry [2]. As of February 2022, Iowa’s unemployment rate was 2.5%, lower than the national average [3]. according to the BLS, as of May 2021, the median annual wage for Agricultural Managers in Iowa was $75,610, while the median hourly wage for Agricultural Workers was $14.92 [4]. Iowa’s median annual wage for Food Service Managers was $51,690 [4].

Healthcare

The claim that 81.9% of Iowa residents have access to a regular doctor, compared to the national average of 73.5%, is true based on the available evidence [1]. Additionally, the claim that the state’s health status is better than the national average, with 11.4% of adults having a fair or poor health status, also appears to be true according to the data provided by the State of Iowa’s Department of Public Health [1].

Peace/Safety

According to the sources [2], [6], and [7], Iowa has generally considered a safe state with a relatively low crime rate. However, there has been a slight increase in crime over the past couple of years, with 338 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020, a 5% increase from the previous year. Some cities, such as Des Moines, have higher crime rates than the state average, while other cities, such as Polk City, are ranked among the safest cities in the state. Nevertheless, Iowa’s crime rate remains below the national average. While Iowa cannot be considered crime-free, it is generally regarded as a safe state with a well-staffed police force. [1]

Biggest challenges

While Iowa is generally considered a safe state with low crime rates [2], limited access to healthcare in rural areas is an issue that Iowa is facing [2]. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Iowa ranks 34th in the country for overall health, indicating room for improvement [11]. Iowa’s poverty rate was 8.1% in 2019, which was lower than the national average of 10.5% for that same year [12]. Additionally, Iowa has an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of February 2023, below the national average [8].

Prayer Points for Iowa

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the leaders of Iowa (Proverbs 11:14). May they be guided by wisdom and integrity as they lead the state. We ask that You grant them discernment and understanding to make wise decisions that benefit all residents.
Lord, we pray for the families of Iowa’s leaders. May they be surrounded by love and support (Psalm 133:1). We ask that You bless their families with good health, strong relationships, and joy.
Almighty God, we pray for the state of Iowa (Psalm 91:1). We ask that Your hand of protection be upon it and its residents. We pray that You would guard them from harm and danger and keep them safe from all evil.
Lord, we pray for the economy of Iowa (Deuteronomy 28:8). We ask that You bless the agriculture sector with abundance and prosperity. May the farmers and ranchers of Iowa experience Your favor and provision, and may their harvest be bountiful.
Father, we pray for the healthcare system of Iowa (Isaiah 58:8). We ask that You bless them with resources, funding, and competent staff to provide quality care to all residents. May they have the necessary tools and equipment to meet the healthcare needs of the people.
Lord, we pray for peace and safety in all communities of Iowa (Psalm 46:1). We ask that You protect them from violence, crime, and unrest. May they experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding and Your provision for all their needs.
Heavenly Father, we pray for a spiritual awakening in Iowa (2 Chronicles 7:14). May the church rise up and impact their communities for the glory of God. We ask that You would open the hearts of the people to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and that they may come to know You as their Lord and Savior.

Share this with someone

Prayer Relay Movement March 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

Pray for North Dakota

Share this with someone

North Dakota is a state that boasts of its natural beauty and thriving agricultural industry. However, it is not only a place of scenic vistas and fertile soils but also a place where faith and community hold a special place in the hearts of the people. With its many churches and religious organizations scattered across the landscape, North Dakota is a beacon of hope and faith for its residents.

As we embark on this journey to pray for North Dakota, it is important to recognize faith’s significant role in people’s lives. North Dakota people value their spiritual beliefs and practices in corporate worship or personal devotion. This unwavering devotion makes North Dakota a unique and special place in the hearts of all who call it home.

So let us pray for North Dakota to uplift and strengthen its people and communities. May our prayers be a beacon of hope and faith, and may North Dakota continue to flourish spiritually and materially.

Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

This verse reminds us that North Dakota, like any other nation, is blessed when its people seek after God and put their trust in Him. As we pray for this state, let its residents turn their hearts toward the Lord and seek His wisdom and guidance.

Quick Brief

Page Contents

Population: According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2020, North Dakota’s estimated population was 779,094, and as of 2022, the estimated population was 779,261 [2].

It is important to note that North Dakota’s population has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2010, the state’s population was 672,591, growing to 723,393 by 2019 [6].

It is worth mentioning that North Dakota’s population density is relatively low, with an average of 11 people per square mile [6]. This is due to the state’s large land area of 70,698 square miles [2].

GDP: According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, North Dakota’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $61.8 billion in 2020 [1]. It is important to note that North Dakota’s economy has grown steadily in recent years, with a GDP of $48.5 billion in 2010 and $61.8 billion in 2020 [1].

North Dakota’s economy is diverse, with its main industries including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. The state is the leading producer of several crops, including dry edible beans, navy beans, sunflowers, honey, and more [1][2]. In addition, North Dakota is a major producer of oil and natural gas, with its energy industry playing a significant role in the state’s economy [1].

Leadership

Doug Burgum is the governor of North Dakota and has been in office since 2016 [4]. He is a former businessman and entrepreneur who has made economic growth and job creation one of his priorities [1].

Mike Schmitz is the current Mayor of Bismarck, North Dakota, having assumed office on June 28, 2022, after winning the general election on June 14, 2022, with 5,736 votes [2]. Schmitz is a business leader, a lifelong resident of Bismarck, and a political outsider who ran for mayor to “make Bismarck better” [4]. During his campaign, he promised to increase transparency, look at water rates, and listen to the public’s needs [1]. After winning the election, he released a list of three guiding principles for city leadership: making city government friendlier, more efficient, and simpler [6]. Schmitz defeated the incumbent mayor, Steve Bakken, in the election, despite having less name recognition and being a political outsider. He has a successful career as an accountant and is committed to protecting taxpayers’ interests [8].

John Hoeven is the senior senator from North Dakota and has served in this position since 2011. Before his tenure in the Senate, Hoeven served as the 31st Governor of North Dakota from 2000 to 2010 [1][4]. As a Republican senator, Hoeven’s priorities include implementing national policies that drive North Dakota’s economic success, and he has recently supported the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [5]. Hoeven is up for reelection in 2028, and his current term runs until Jan 3, 2029 [1].

Kevin Cramer, a Republican senator, has been serving as the junior senator from North Dakota since 2019 [2][6]. Before his Senate tenure, Cramer served three terms as North Dakota’s At-Large Member of the United States House of Representatives. Cramer was the first Republican to hold his Senate seat in his lifetime. [2]. Cramer supported the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [5] and is up for reelection in 2024 [6].

Economy

North Dakota is known for its thriving energy and agricultural industries. The state is the second-largest oil-producing state in the country, producing over 450,000 barrels of oil per day, and its farms and ranches occupy an impressive 39.3 million acres of land, which is 89 percent of the total land in the state [1]. The state produces spring wheat, durum wheat, dry edible peas, dry edible beans, honey, flaxseed, and canola [3]. While the unemployment rate in North Dakota is 3.2% [1], common jobs in the state include Farmers and Ranchers, Oil and Gas Workers, and Agricultural Technicians [1].

Healthcare

According to a report by the North Dakota Department of Health, the state’s access to healthcare has improved significantly in recent years, with 84.8% of the state’s population having a regular doctor as of 2021. [3]

In terms of opioid and alcohol-related deaths, North Dakota has a lower rate compared to the national average. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in North Dakota was 8.6 per 100,000 population in 2020, which is lower than the national average of 21.6 per 100,000 population. [3] Additionally, the state has taken steps to address the opioid epidemic, such as implementing a prescription drug monitoring program and increasing access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. [7]

Peace/Safety

North Dakota is generally considered safe, with low crime rates and well-staffed police forces. For example, North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the United States at 3.2% [4], which may contribute to lower crime rates. However, no statistics or sources directly support this claim, and it is important to note that crime can still occur in any area. It is always recommended to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, even in areas considered safe.

Biggest Challenges

North Dakota’s energy industry is crucial to its economy [2]. The state is the second-largest producer of crude oil in the US, with significant oil reserves and a booming oil industry [9][7]. However, the state’s energy industry has also faced challenges, such as low oil prices, impacting the industry [8]. Furthermore, like other rural areas, North Dakota also faces the challenge of creating job opportunities, which can lead to population decline and economic hardship [10].

Prayer Points for North Dakota

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the leaders of North Dakota, asking for wisdom, guidance, and protection for them and their families. (Proverbs 11:14)
Lord, we pray for the economy of North Dakota, asking that you provide for the needs of its residents and bring stability to its industries. (Philippians 4:19)
God, we pray for the healthcare system in North Dakota, asking that you would provide adequate resources and opportunities for its residents to receive quality care. (Psalm 103:3)
Lord, we pray for peace and safety in North Dakota, asking that you would protect its communities and bring a spirit of justice and righteousness. (Psalm 91:2)
Father, we pray for a revival in North Dakota, asking that you would pour out your Spirit and bring many to salvation. (Acts 2:38-39)
Lord, we pray for the energy industry in North Dakota, asking that you would guide its leaders in finding solutions to the challenges they face. (Proverbs 16:3)
God, we pray for farmers and ranchers in North Dakota, asking that you would provide favourable weather conditions and good harvests. (Psalm 67:6)
Father, we pray for job opportunities in rural areas of North Dakota, asking that you provide for those struggling to make ends meet. (Isaiah 41:10)
Lord, we pray for the youth of North Dakota, asking that you would guide them in making wise choices and give them hope for the future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
God, we pray for churches in North Dakota, asking that you would bless their ministries and use them to bring hope and healing to their communities. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Share this with someone

Prayer Relay Movement March 3, 2023 Leave a Comment

Pray for Arkansas | Insight and Prayer Points

Share this with someone

Praying for Arkansas

Page Contents

Welcome to our post, ‘Pray for Arkansas.’ In this article, we will provide valuable insights on offering meaningful prayers for the state of Arkansas. Our prayer points are carefully compiled and focus on economic growth, safety, and the overall well-being of residents. We understand the importance of praying for the state’s leaders, regardless of their personal opinions, and have included information about them in this article.

Join us in this spiritual journey to uplift the state of Arkansas and its people through the power of prayer. This post will inspire you to pray for this great state and its residents with renewed purpose.

Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

This rings true for every nation, state and home today. Mighty empires have risen and stood, seemingly immortal. Yet, they have all but fallen. The key reason behind that was forgetting the LORD. They watched in VAIN! They labored in VAIN! Let that not be our testimony as intercessors. Let that not be our testimony as men and women of faith.

Quick Brief

Population: The U.S. Census Bureau also provides data on Arkansas’ population, reporting 3,017,804 people as of 2021 [7]. Additionally, the Census Bureau’s QuickFacts estimates the Arkansas population as of 2022 at 3,045,221 [3]. Furthermore, macroeconomic trends indicate that the population of Arkansas in 2020 was 3,014,195, with a small decline of 0.22% from the previous year [6]. The Arkansas Demographics website provides a comprehensive list of the state’s cities by population, with Little Rock being the most populous city with a population of 197,312 as of 2021 [9].

GDP: According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arkansas’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 was approximately $135.6 billion. [1]

Leadership

Asa Hutchinson is the current governor of Arkansas, serving since 2015. Before becoming governor, he served in various roles, including the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and as a U.S. Congressman.

Frank Scott Jr. is the current mayor of Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. He is the first African American elected to this position. He is a former state highway commissioner with a banking and finance background.

Tom Cotton is a U.S. Senator for Arkansas. He is a former Army veteran and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is known for his conservative views and has served in the Senate since 2015.

John Boozman is a U.S. Senator for Arkansas. He is a former optometrist and has served in the Senate since 2011.

Economy

Agriculture and manufacturing are the two largest industries in Arkansas. The state is a leading producer of rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry, and other livestock products. According to the USDA, agriculture, food, and related industries contribute roughly $16 billion to Arkansas’s economy annually. The state is a major exporter of rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry, and feed grains [1]. Additionally, Arkansas is one of the country’s top two states producing broilers, accounting for about 41% of the state’s livestock production [5]. Manufacturing is also an important industry in Arkansas, contributing significantly to the state’s gross product [8].

Common jobs: Farmworkers, Food, and beverage processing workers, and Construction workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Healthcare

Arkansas is ranked 49th in the country in terms of access to healthcare. 70.7% of residents have access to a regular doctor, compared to the national average of 73.5% [5]. This has led to a higher rate of fair or poor health status among adults in the state, at 19.9% compared to the national average of 13.5%. [6]. Additionally, 19.9% of Arkansas adults report their health status as fair or poor, compared to the national average of 13.5% [5].

It’s worth noting that Arkansas has faced some challenges in terms of healthcare, such as a shortage of healthcare providers in certain areas and a higher-than-average uninsured rate. However, the state has addressed these issues, such as expanding Medicaid coverage and implementing telemedicine programs [3].

Peace/Safety

In 2020, the state’s violent crime rate was 5.5 incidents per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 5.6 per 1,000 people [6]. The state’s murder rate increased by 39% from 2019 to 2020, with Little Rock seeing a 36% increase in homicides over the same period [2].

Prayer Points for Arkansas

Isaiah 62:6-7
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

Pray for the leaders of Arkansas, that they would have wisdom, guidance, and discernment in their decisions and responsibilities.
We pray for the families of these leaders, that they would be protected and provided for.
Let us pray for the state of Arkansas, that it would be a place of peace, prosperity, and protection.
We pray for the residents of Arkansas, that they would have access to quality healthcare and a good standard of living.
We pray for a revival in the state, that the church would be strengthened and empowered to be a light to the community.
Pray for justice and equality: We pray that Arkansas would be a state where civil rights are respected and upheld, and where all residents are treated equally and with dignity. We ask that the ongoing civil rights investigation [1] would be thorough and just.
Pray for an end to violence: We lift up the issue of increasing homicide rates in Arkansas, particularly in Little Rock [2]. We pray for the safety of all residents, and that local law enforcement and community leaders would work together to find effective solutions to curb violence in the state.
Pray for health and well-being: We lift up the issue of access to healthcare in Arkansas, which is below the national average [3]. We pray that all residents would have access to quality healthcare and that state leaders would prioritize policies that support healthy communities. We also pray for those affected by the high lung cancer rates in the state [2].
Pray for economic stability: We lift up the issue of poverty and economic hardship in Arkansas, which affects many families and communities. We pray that state leaders prioritize policies that create jobs and economic opportunities for all residents and that families facing economic hardship would be provided for and supported [4].
Pray for spiritual renewal: We pray for a revival in Arkansas, where the church would be strengthened and empowered to be a light to the community. We ask that the people of Arkansas would turn to God and find hope and healing in His love and grace. May Arkansas be known as a place where God is worshipped and glorified.

Share this with someone