Pray for Oregon

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States lies Oregon, a state famous for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture. From its rugged coastline and towering mountains to its lush forests and sprawling deserts, Oregon offers diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike. With a population of over 4 million people and a thriving economy powered by industries such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture, Oregon is a state that continues to grow and evolve.

This blog post invites you to pray for Oregon and its leaders. As we reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing this state, we will focus on several prayer points related to spiritual, physical, and economic well-being. Let us take a moment to lift up the people of Oregon so that they may experience peace, hope, and prosperity in all aspects of their lives.

Psalm 33:12

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

God’s hand is at work in Oregon, just as in every other place on earth. As believers, we must pray for our communities, seeking God’s will and wisdom in every aspect of life. We must trust in Him, knowing He hears our prayers and has a plan for this state and its people.

Quick Brief

Population: As of 2019, Oregon is the 27th most populous state in the United States [3]. The population of Oregon has been steadily increasing over the years; in 1860, the population was only 52,465, while in 1900, it was 413,536 [4]. Oregon has a relatively high rate of children living in poverty at 13.6% [5].

GDP: According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Oregon’s estimated real GDP was $226.53 billion in Q1 2021 [1]. The Department of Numbers reports that Oregon’s GDP was $266.94 billion in 2021, representing 1.16% of US GDP, making it the nation’s 25th largest state economy in 2021 [2]. The most recent data on GDP by state from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that real GDP increased in 47 states and the District of Columbia in the third quarter of 2022. Still, the specific GDP for Oregon in that quarter still needs to be provided [3]. The CIA World Factbook reports that Oregon’s GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) was $252.9 billion in 2020 [5]. It is worth noting that GDP can be measured in several ways, including nominal, real, and PPP, which may account for discrepancies in reported figures.

Leadership

Kate Brown is the current governor of Oregon, having taken office in 2015. She became the first openly bisexual governor in the United States and has a social work and advocacy background. [1]

Ted Wheeler is the current mayor of Portland, Oregon. He was elected mayor in 2016 and previously served as the state treasurer. [2]

Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are Oregon’s two senators. Both are Democrats and have a strong focus on environmental and social issues. [3]

Economy

Oregon’s economy is based on numerous industries, including tech, manufacturing, and agriculture. The state is known for producing more than 250 diverse products, ranging from wheat to salmon, and is home to various high-quality food and beverage products, such as craft beer, wine, and specialty coffee [1]. The unemployment rate in Oregon has been improving, with the state’s unemployment rate sitting at 3.8% as of April 2022, which is close to the pre-pandemic level of 3.5% [9].

Common jobs in Oregon include software developers, management analysts, and registered nurses [7].

Healthcare

According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Oregon had a higher percentage of adults with health insurance coverage (93%) than the national average (89%) in 2020 [1]. Oregon has also been recognized for promoting public health and wellness. In 2020, the Trust for America’s Health ranked Oregon as the seventh healthiest state in the nation, considering factors such as access to care, health outcomes, and health behaviors [2]. Additionally, Oregon has a relatively high number of mental health facilities per capita compared to other states in the US, with 21.8 providers per 100,000 residents, according to a report by Mental Health America [3].

Peace/Safety

According to a federal analysis by HUD, Oregon’s homeless population declined by about 1,200 people between January 2019 and 2020 [1]. Oregon has recently implemented a pioneering drug decriminalization experiment. People caught with small amounts of hard drugs are issued a civil citation, similar to a traffic ticket, rather than a criminal charge [2]. Oregon’s low crime rates are inconsistent throughout the state; for example, Portland has experienced a rise in homicides in recent years [3]. While Oregon is considered safe overall, the state faces challenges related to homelessness and substance abuse [1][2]. The Oregon State Uniform Crime Reporting Data shows that there were 574 total incidents related to crime and safety that involved students at or near campus in 2019 [9].

Biggest challenges

Oregon is facing several challenges, including homelessness, drug abuse, and inadequate mental health resources [1][3][7][9]. According to a report, the typical family experiencing homelessness in Oregon consists of a mother under the age of 27 with two small children. Over 70% of drug-related deaths worldwide are due to opioids, and overdoses cause over 30% of these deaths [5][10]. Oregon has decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs, and people caught with them are issued a civil citation rather than facing criminal charges [2].

In addition to these challenges, Oregon also needs better mental health resources and support, and inadequate funding for mental health is a problem in many parts of the United States [9].

Prayer Points for Oregon

Ephesians 6:18

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

• Dear Lord, we lift up the residents of Oregon in prayer. May they experience Your love and grace in their daily lives.
• We pray for the leaders of Oregon, that they may have wisdom, compassion, and a heart for justice. May they make decisions that benefit all residents of the state.
• Lord, we pray for the families of Oregon. Grant them peace, security, and happiness. May they find comfort in You during times of difficulty.
• We lift up the economy of Oregon in prayer. May there be opportunities for growth and prosperity for all state residents.
• Lord, we pray for the health and well-being of all residents of Oregon. We pray for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. May they find the support and care they need.
• We pray for a spiritual awakening in Oregon. May the church rise up and be a shining light to the community, sharing Your love and truth with all those around them.
• Lord, we pray for an end to homelessness in Oregon. May all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.
• We pray for protection from natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. May the state be prepared and equipped to handle any emergency.
• Lord, we pray for unity among the people of Oregon. May they work together towards a common goal of peace and prosperity for all.
• We pray for Your continued blessing and provision over the state of Oregon. May Your hand be upon the state and its residents now and always.

As followers of Christ, we are called to lift our communities in prayer and intercession. Let us join together in faith, lifting the state of Oregon and its inhabitants to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.