Pray for Mississippi

As followers of Christ, we must intercede and lift our communities in prayer. In this blog post, we will focus on the state of Mississippi and guide your prayers. We intend to pray for its residents’ economic stability, safety, health, and happiness.

Regardless of our opinions, it is important to pray for our leaders as they play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future. Let us unite in faith and lift up Mississippi and its inhabitants to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.

Join us in praying for Mississippi’s economic stability, safety, and health. Our state’s future depends on the power of our collective prayers.

Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Quick Brief

Mississippi has a population of 2,976,149 according to the latest estimate by the United States Census Bureau. While it is not the least populated state in the US, it is one of the less populous states, ranking 34th in population.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Mississippi’s gross domestic product (GDP) was 127.4 billion US dollars in 2020. While it is not one of the largest economies in the US, it is still a significant contributor to its overall economy.

Leadership

The current governor of Mississippi is Tate Reeves, who has been in office since January 14, 2020. He previously served as the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi from 2012 to 2020 and was also the state treasurer from 2004 to 2012. As governor, he is responsible for enforcing state laws and can approve or veto bills passed by the Mississippi Legislature. He also can grant pardons and reprieves, except in cases of treason or impeachment [[1][2][3]].

The current Attorney General of Mississippi is Lynn Fitch, who was elected in 2019 and assumed office on January 9, 2020, becoming the first woman to hold this position in Mississippi’s history [[1][4]]. As the chief legal officer and advisor for the state, her responsibilities include representing state agencies in legal matters, providing legal advice to other state officials and prosecutors, and bringing lawsuits on behalf of the state [[3][5][6]]. She also has the sole power under Mississippi law to bring or defend a lawsuit on behalf of the state. Before becoming Attorney General, Fitch served as Mississippi State Treasurer from 2012 to 2020.

Mississippi has two senators in the United States Senate: Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith. Both senators are Republicans and were last elected in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Senators serve six-year terms and are elected in staggered elections, meaning one senator is elected every two years. Mississippi has a total of 51 individuals who have served as U.S. senators from the state [[1][3]]. 

The Mississippi State Senate, on the other hand, is composed of 52 senators representing an equal number of constituent districts, with 36 seats held by the Republican Party and 16 seats held by the Democratic Party as of 2023, creating a Republican trifecta in the state government [[4]]. To contact the Mississippi Legislature or for general information, call the Capitol Switchboard at (601) 359-3770, while questions concerning legislation or the status of any measure may be directed to the House Docket Room at (601) 359-3360, the Senate Docket Room at (601) 359-3229, or the Legislative Reference Bureau at (601) 359-3135 [[10]].

Economy

Agriculture and manufacturing are the two largest industries in Mississippi [1]. Some of the state’s largest exports include poultry, soybeans, and automobiles [4]. However, it’s worth noting that other industries like healthcare, education, and tourism also contribute significantly to the state’s economy [2].

As of February 2023, the unemployment rate in Mississippi is 6.0%, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics [2].

However, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural workers, industrial engineers, and food service managers are listed among Mississippi’s top 25 most common jobs [2].

Healthcare

According to a report by the Mississippi State Department of Health, in 2021, 66.4% of Mississippi residents had a primary care provider, which is lower than the national average of 75.4% [1]. This lower percentage may contribute to the state’s higher rate of fair or poor health status, which stands at 22.9% for Mississippi adults, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation [2]. 

Peace/Safety

According to [2], Mississippi ranks as the 6th highest state in the United States for poverty, with a poverty rate of 19.8% in 2020. In terms of safety, Mississippi has a high rate of violent crime with a violent crime rate of 10.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 4.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, as reported by [3]. However, it is important to note that many rural communities have low crime rates.

Biggest challenges

Mississippi faces significant poverty, unemployment, and crime [2]. In addition to these issues, the state faces healthcare and education challenges, with many residents needing access to quality healthcare and educational resources [1][3]. Mississippi has a high poverty and crime rate, but it is important to note that many rural communities in the state have low crime rates [2].

Prayer Points for Mississippi

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

• Pray for the leaders of Mississippi. May they be guided by wisdom and integrity in all they do. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Pray for the economic stability of the state and its residents, especially those struggling with poverty and unemployment. (Philippians 4:19)
• We pray for the families in Mississippi. May they experience the peace and provision of the Lord. (Psalm 29:11)
• Let us pray for the state’s healthcare system, that it would provide quality care for all residents. (Jeremiah 33:6)
• We pray for peace in the communities, for an end to violence and crime. (Psalm 34:14)
• Father, we ask that you would revive the church in Mississippi, that they would live and share the love of Christ. (Romans 12:2)
• We pray for the education system, that every student would have access to the resources they need to succeed in life. (Proverbs 1:5)
• Lord, we pray for ending racial division and inequality in Mississippi, and that all people would be treated with respect and dignity. (Galatians 3:28)
• Let us pray for the protection and preservation of Mississippi’s natural resources to be stewarded wisely for future generations. (Psalm 24:1)
• We pray for Mississippi’s churches and ministries, that they would effectively share the gospel and serve those in need. (Matthew 25:35-36)