Welcome to our blog post titled “Pray for Oklahoma.” Oklahoma is a beautiful state located in the southern region of the United States. With a population of over 4 million, Oklahoma is home to diverse cultures and communities. The state’s capital, Oklahoma City, is a business, education, and entertainment hub.
Oklahoma has a rich history and a strong Christian heritage. The faith of its people has been tested and proven, and great revivals have occurred in the state. Despite Oklahoma’s challenges, the people continue to hold fast to their faith and believe that the Lord will always be their helper.
In this blog post, we urge you to pray for Oklahoma. As believers, we understand the power of prayer and its impact on our lives and those around us. We will focus on specific prayer points for the state, including its leadership, communities, and people affected by recent events.
So, join us as we lift up Oklahoma in prayer. Let us stand together in faith and believe God’s grace and mercy will abound in this great state.
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 verse speaks of the people of Oklahoma’s trust in the Lord, even when faced with challenges. It is a reminder that, no matter what may come, the Lord will always help and provide for those who trust in Him.
Quick Brief
Population: The information provided in the text about Oklahoma’s population is outdated. According to the United States Census Bureau estimates, as of 2021, the population of Oklahoma is approximately 4 million people. It is important to use up-to-date and accurate information when discussing population numbers, as they can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as migration and birth rates.
GDP: According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, Oklahoma’s GDP was $206.8 billion in 2021, representing approximately 0.9% of the US GDP and ranks Oklahoma as the 31st largest state economy in the nation in 2021 [3].
Similarly, the Statista Research Department reported that in 2021, the real GDP of Oklahoma was $195.07 billion [1].
The economy of Oklahoma is the 29th largest in the United States, with a gross state product (GSP) of approximately $197.2 billion as of December 2018 [2].
Leadership
Kevin Stitt is indeed the governor of Oklahoma, having taken office in January 2019. Before his political career, he founded Gateway Mortgage Group and grew it into a nationwide mortgage company operating in 42 states and servicing more than $20 billion [3]5]. He is married to his wife Sarah and they have six children.
David Holt is the mayor of Oklahoma City and has been in office since 2018. Before his mayoral term, he served as a state senator and political analyst for local television stations [2].
Jim Inhofe and James Lankford are Oklahoma’s senators. Jim Inhofe has been serving in the Senate since 1994 and is known for his conservative views on many political issues. In 2020, he became the oldest serving senator in US history. James Lankford was elected to the Senate in 2014 and has a background in Christian ministry, having served as a Baptist minister and director of a Christian youth camp [5]5].
Economy
Oklahoma’s economy is diverse, but the energy sector plays a significant role, with the state being a major producer of oil and natural gas, and also having several wind energy farms. Other important industries include agriculture, aerospace, and technology. [1] [2] Regarding employment, common jobs in Oklahoma include drill operators, petroleum engineers, and wind turbine service technicians. The state’s unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past, as reported in the official website of Oklahoma State Government. [2]
The forest sector also has a significant economic impact on the state. In 2020, it contributed $3.8 billion in industry output, employed more than 8,900 people, and generated a payroll contribution of $575 million. Including direct, indirect, and induced impacts, the forest sector had a total economic impact of $5.1 billion and supported more than 19,300 jobs with a payroll of $1.0 billion. Every job created in this sector generates 1.5 jobs in other sectors. [3]
According to Governor Kevin Stitt, since 2019, over 23,000 new jobs have been created in Oklahoma. The state has the third fastest-growing economy in the nation, with a gross domestic product growth rate of 5.5% between the second and third quarter of 2022. [4] The state government also aims to invest in Oklahoma’s economic vitality and prosperity, partnering with, supporting, and growing the state’s key economic sectors, including decreasing the veteran unemployment rate and increasing the production and distribution of oil, gas, and wind energy. [2]
Healthcare
71.9% of Oklahoma residents have access to a regular doctor, compared to the national average of 73.5%. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides data on the percentage of adults aged 18 and over who failed to obtain needed medical care due to cost in the United States. According to the CDC, the national average of adults who failed to obtain needed medical care due to cost in 2021 was 6.3% [2].
It is worth noting that the State of Oklahoma has made significant investments in healthcare, such as implementing the ACCESS Oklahoma Program. However, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has access to the bond market to fund planning and construction activities for the program once the Oklahoma Supreme Court issues its decision on OTA’s application for approval of bonds [3]. The state also provides healthcare insurance through state-regulated funeral, burial, and life insurance policies [5]. Additionally, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health displays the prevalence of mental health or substance use issues within a geographic area, which can be used to compare data between areas and over time [6].
Peace/Safety
Oklahoma can be considered a relatively safe state with low crime rates compared to the national average [3]. However, areas in Oklahoma, such as Ardmore, still have higher rates of violent and property crimes [8]. Residents need to take precautions and remain vigilant, particularly in larger cities. It is also worth noting that motor vehicle theft is the most commonly reported property crime in the United States [1]. Nevertheless, Oklahoma’s total crime index is 52% below the national average, with a property crime rate of 1,027 per 100,000 people [7]. It is also worth mentioning that Oklahoma passed a resolution in 2009 reasserting the state’s sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, indicating a conservative stance [1].
Biggest challenges
Oklahoma faces challenges related to poverty, and a lack of access to healthcare is partly true [1, 5]. Oklahoma has a poverty rate of 15.8%, which is higher than the national average [1]. In addition, Oklahoma did not expand Medicaid eligibility until recently, limiting access to healthcare for many low-income individuals [5].
The statement about natural disasters is also true. Oklahoma is located in Tornado Alley, and the state experiences frequent tornadoes and severe weather conditions, resulting in property damage and loss of life [1]. Additionally, Oklahoma is prone to earthquakes, and in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of earthquakes in the state, which has raised concerns among residents and experts [1].
Regarding the state’s economy, it is true that the energy sector is one of the state’s major industries. Oklahoma has been impacted by the fluctuation of oil and gas prices, which has affected the state’s economy and job market [1]. However, it is important to note that the web search results did not provide conclusive evidence to support the claim that the state is facing ongoing concerns related to the economy.
Prayer Points for Oklahoma
Psalm 121:7-8
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
- Let us pray for the leaders of Oklahoma that they would seek the Lord’s will and lead with integrity and compassion (Proverbs 11:14).
- We pray for their families that the Lord would watch over them and provide for their needs (Psalm 121:7-8).
- Lord, we lift up the people of Oklahoma to you. May they find comfort and hope in you, even in times of hardship (Psalm 34:17-18).
- We pray for healing and restoration in the communities affected by natural disasters. May those who have lost homes and loved ones find strength in the Lord (Isaiah 41:10).
- Father, we ask that you bless the state’s economy and provide opportunities for growth and job creation (Psalm 112:3).
- We pray for improved access to healthcare so that every person in Oklahoma would have access to quality medical care when needed (James 5:15-16).
- Lord, we ask that you bless the healthcare professionals who serve the people of Oklahoma, giving them wisdom, strength, and compassion as they care for others (Isaiah 40:31).
- We pray for those struggling with physical, mental, or emotional health issues. May they find healing and peace in your presence (Jeremiah 17:14).
- Lord, we pray for unity and peace in the state of Oklahoma. May people of all races and backgrounds work towards a better future (Ephesians 4:3).
- We ask for your protection over the people of Oklahoma, especially in times of danger or uncertainty (Psalm 91:1-2). Amen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oklahoma faces various challenges related to poverty, healthcare, natural disasters, and its economy. However, as people of faith, we can lift these concerns in prayer and trust in God’s provision and guidance for the state’s leaders, families, and communities. Through our prayers, we can also ask for healing, restoration, and blessings for those affected by these challenges. May the people of Oklahoma find strength and hope in the Lord and see his faithfulness in their lives.
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