Pray for Montana

In this blog post, we will guide you to pray for Montana, specifically emphasizing its leaders who play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future. Regardless of our personal opinions of them, every leader needs our prayer and support.

As Christians, we are called to be intercessors, standing in the gap for our communities and lifting them in prayer. Today, we focus on the state of Montana, with a heart to see its residents thrive in every area of their lives. Our God can meet every need from economic stability to safety, health, and happiness.

Let us unite in faith and lift Montana to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers. Together, we can make a difference and see positive change in this beautiful state. So join us as we intercede for Montana, asking God to bless every resident and lead this state into a bright and prosperous future.

Psalm 121:1-2

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

This passage reminds us that our help and our protection come from the Lord. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, and He will provide for us and keep us safe.

Quick Brief

Population: Montana’s estimated population as of 2019, making it the 43rd most populous state in the United States [1][4]. It’s worth noting that Montana has experienced population growth since the 2010 Census, with a percent change in population of 7.9% from April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2019 [1].

GDP: The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the state’s GDP was $55.3 billion in 2020 [2].

Leadership

Greg Gianforte has been the Governor of Montana since 2021[6]. Before his political career, he founded RightNow Technologies in 1997 and grew it into Bozeman’s largest commercial employer, creating over 500 high-paying jobs in Montana[3]. Governor Gianforte is married to Susan Gianforte, and they have four children[5].

Montana, one of the United States, has two senators who are members of the United States Senate: Democrat Jon Tester and Republican Steve Daines [1],[7],[8]. Tester has been in office since 2007 and was re-elected in 2012, while Daines has served since 2015 and was elected in 2014 [7]. Montana Senate, on the other hand, is the upper house of the Montana Legislature, which is the state legislative branch of Montana. It consists of 50 senators elected for four years, and Montanans elect half of the 50 members every two years [2], [6]. Montana became the 41st state in the Union on November 8, 1889. The state’s first two senators, Wilbur Sanders and Thomas C. Power, were sworn into office on April 16, 1890, following a hotly contested election [4]. Montana’s longest-serving senators include James E. Murray (1934-1961) and Max Baucus (1978-2014) [4]. Jeannette Rankin, the first woman to serve in Congress, was elected four years before the women’s suffrage amendment was added to the Constitution [9].

Economy

The text about Montana is mostly accurate. Agriculture and tourism are two of the largest industries in Montana, with tourism being the fastest-growing sector in the state [5]. Montana is also rich in natural resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and timber [5]. The common jobs listed, including farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, loggers, and park rangers, are all relevant occupations in Montana, with farming and ranching being significant contributors to the state’s economy [4]. According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the unemployment rate in Montana as of February 2023 was 2.8%, lower than the stated 4.0% [6].

Healthcare

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts, Montana’s percentage of uninsured individuals under 65 was 8.9% in 2020, slightly lower than the national average of 9.7%.[1] In terms of adult obesity rates, Montana’s rate is slightly lower than the national average, according to a report by 24/7 Wall St.[3] However, the report notes that Montana’s rate is still above 25%, considered high.

Peace/Safety

Montana is known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep, gray wolves, and bison [1]. The state is also called the Treasure State due to its vast mineral wealth [2]. The name Montana is derived from the Spanish word “montaña,” meaning mountainous region or mountain, and it’s the state with the largest number of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states [6].

Montana has some of the country’s best rivers, spring creeks, and lake fishing, and its rivers offer diverse scenic backdrops and one-of-a-kind fishing opportunities [4]. Montana is also home to the largest migratory elk herd in the US, with more cattle than people [5].

Montana is known for its vast, wild, open spaces, including the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which comprises more than 1.5 million acres of rocky ridges, alpine meadows, and dense forests. It is the third-largest wilderness area in the Lower 48 and follows the Continental Divide for 60 miles [9].

While Montana has a low population density of approximately 6 persons per square mile, its crime rate is relatively high at 3.74 per 1000 people compared to the national average of 4 crimes per 1000 people [10]. However, it is still perceived as a safe state with a sense of peace and safety among its residents.

Biggest challenges

Montana faces several challenges, including access to healthcare and education in rural areas and preserving its natural resources for future generations. According to [2], Montana has a lower population density than most other states, which could impact access to healthcare and education in rural areas. Rural and small schools face funding challenges due to state and federal accountability laws and declining enrollments [10]. 

However, Montana has a rich animal life and vast natural resources, including gold, coal, and copper [3], which makes it a popular tourist destination with over 11 million visitors in 2020 [8]. Montana also has several national parks and wilderness areas, such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which covers over 1.5 million acres and is the third-largest wilderness area in the Lower 48 [9]. Overall, Montana faces challenges in providing access to healthcare and education in rural areas, but it also has vast natural resources that can help sustain its economy and attract tourists.

Prayer Points for Montana

Jeremiah 33:3

3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

• We pray for the leaders of Montana, that they may have the wisdom and guidance of the Lord in their decision-making processes. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
• We pray that Montana’s residents, especially those in rural areas, may have access to quality healthcare and education. “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14
• We pray for the preservation and sustainable use of Montana’s natural resources for future generations. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1
• We pray for peace and safety in Montana, that it may be a place of refuge for its residents. “The Lord is my rock, fortress, and savior; in him I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2
• We pray for a revival in Montana, that the love of Christ may spread and transform the hearts of its people. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
• We pray for the education system in Montana, that it may effectively equip students with knowledge and values. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
• We pray for the healthcare workers in Montana, that they may have strength and compassion in caring for their patients. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
• We pray for the protection of Montana’s wildlife, that they may thrive in their natural habitats. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” – Matthew 10:29
• We pray for the businesses and economy of Montana, that they may flourish and provide for the needs of the people. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
• We pray for the churches and ministries in Montana, that they may effectively spread the gospel and make disciples. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19