Pray for Nebraska

In this blog post, we will guide your prayers for Nebraska, highlighting areas where the state and its people need our intercession. Together, we will lift Nebraska and its inhabitants to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers. Let us unite in faith, trusting that our prayers will make a difference in the lives of those we pray for.

As believers in Christ, we are responsible for radiating positivity, hope and comfort to those around us. We must remain steadfast in our duty to uplift our communities in prayer and intercession, especially during times of hardship. Today, we turn our attention to the state of Nebraska and pray for its residents’ spiritual, economic and physical well-being.

It is our duty to be a shining light and a source of hope for those around us. In times of distress or difficulty, we are reminded of our responsibility to uplift our communities in prayer and intercession. We are called to pray for our leaders, regardless of our opinions of them, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our state. Our prayers can uplift and guide them as they make important decisions that impact the lives of those around them.

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.

We must look to the Lord as our source of help and guidance in every aspect of our lives, including the state of Nebraska. He is the maker of heaven and earth, and has all things under his control.

Quick Brief

Population: According to multiple sources, including the United States Census Bureau, Nebraska’s population was 1,934,408 as of July 1, 2019 [1][2][3][7]. This figure represents a 5.92% increase since the 2010 United States census. Nebraska is the 37th most populous state in the United States [2]. The population density of Nebraska is approximately 25.0 people per square mile [5]. In addition, Nebraska is known for its production of corn and livestock, and it is the only state in the U.S. whose legislature is nonpartisan and unicameral [6].

GDP: 120.89B USD. According to the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Nebraska’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew the fastest in 10 years during 2021 and recovered from a decline following pandemic-related disruptions in 2020. Output stabilized through the first quarter of 2022, but remained about 4% above 2020, an average annual growth rate of about 2%. 

Leadership

Pete Ricketts, the current governor of Nebraska: Pete Ricketts has been serving as the governor of Nebraska since 2015 [5]. Before his political career, he was the CEO of Ameritrade [5]. Governor Ricketts is married to Susanne Shore and they have three children [5].

Nebraska has two United States senators elected to Class 1 and Class 2, respectively. [1] The current senators of Nebraska are Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, both Republicans. Fischer has served as a senator since 2013, while Sasse has served since 2015. [5] Nebraska’s longest-serving senators include George W. Norris (served 1913-1943) and Carl T. Curtis (served 1955-1979). [1] Additionally, Nebraska has a unicameral legislature consisting of 49 senators elected for four years with a salary of $12,000 annually. [4][6]

Economic

Nebraska’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with crops like corn, soybeans, and cattle being among the top products and the state’s agricultural sector contributing significantly to its gross state product. In 2017, the total output of Nebraska’s agricultural production complex was $81.8 billion, accounting for 33.9% of the state’s total output, and the industry employed a significant number of farmers and ranchers [2]. Manufacturing, finance, and healthcare also play significant roles in the state’s economy. The common jobs in Nebraska include construction managers, registered nurses, food scientists, farmers, and ranchers [5]. The unemployment rate in the state was 2.8%, as of the latest available data [2].

Healthcare

According to a report by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, access to behavioural healthcare within Nebraska is increasingly community-based, but the need for services still remains [3]. The report also mentions that mental health is one of the most prevalent healthcare concerns in the state, and the impact of mental illness and behavioural health issues transcends generations. Suicide is also a matter of life and death. In 2015, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration recognized 88 of Nebraska’s 93 counties as mental health professional shortage areas [2][3].

Spiritual

Nebraska has a significant Christian population, with about 75% of the state’s population identifying as Christian [3]. The state is home to various Protestant denominations, including Lutheran, Methodist, and Baptist. Additionally, Nebraska has a substantial Catholic population, with the Catholic Church being the largest denomination in the state [3][1]. Faith-based organizations and churches are essential in serving the community in Nebraska. However, it should be noted that Nebraska is a diverse state with various religious affiliations represented within its population.

Biggest challenges

Nebraska faces economic struggles in rural areas [9]. However, while healthcare access remains a concern, it is important to note that the state has made progress in increasing access to behavioral healthcare services, with many community-based programs in place [3][4][8]. Substance abuse is indeed a significant issue in Nebraska, as it is in many states across the US [3][7][10].

Prayer Points for Nebraska

Jeremiah 29:11

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.

• Pray for the leaders of Nebraska, including Governor Pete Ricketts and other elected officials, that the Lord would guide their steps and decisions. (Jeremiah 29:11)
• We pray for the families of these leaders, that they would be protected and blessed. (Psalm 91:11)
• Pray for the state’s economy, especially in rural areas, that opportunities for growth and prosperity would be abundant. (Deuteronomy 28:8)
• We pray for improved access to healthcare services and resources in the state, especially for those in need. (Psalm 107:19-21)
• We pray for the church in Nebraska, that it would continue to be a beacon of hope and faith in the community. (Matthew 5:14)
• Pray against substance abuse in the state and for those struggling with addiction to find healing and freedom. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• We pray for unity and peace among the diverse communities in Nebraska. (Ephesians 4:3)
• Pray for protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes and severe weather. (Psalm 46:1-3)
• We pray for the education system in Nebraska, that would equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. (Proverbs 1:7)
• Pray for the youth in Nebraska, that they would have positive role models and opportunities to grow and thrive. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Let us continue to pray for the people of Nebraska, their leaders, and their communities. May God’s guiding hand be upon them as they face the challenges of economic struggles, healthcare access, and substance abuse. May they find hope and healing in the Lord, and may the state of Nebraska thrive and prosper as they seek His will and guidance.