Pray for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, situated in the Northeastern region of the United States, is a state steeped in history and culture. Its natural beauty, ranging from rolling hills and scenic countryside to bustling cities and vibrant communities, offers a unique blend of urban charm and rural tranquillity. As we take a moment to reflect on this great state, it’s worth considering the challenges facing its leadership and communities. In this blog post, we invite you to pray for Pennsylvania and its people. We will share some prayer points to help guide us as we lift up this state in prayer. Let us gather to ask for guidance, strength and wisdom for those leading and serving Pennsylvania.

Psalm 33:12

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

Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, particularly its role in founding the United States. From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia to Gettysburg, where one of the most famous battles of the Civil War took place, Pennsylvania is where history comes to life.

Quick Brief

Population: The population of Pennsylvania is indeed 12,807,060 [1][6][7][8]. The state’s population has increased by 2% from 2010, when the population was 12,702,379 [1][5]. While the state’s overall population has grown, some counties in Pennsylvania have experienced population decline [9]. It’s important to note that Pennsylvania’s population is diverse, with White alone at 61.6%, Black alone at 12.4%, Hispanic at 18.7%, and Asian alone at 6% [2]. The median household income in Pennsylvania is $59,195 [8].

GDP: The GDP of Pennsylvania in 2021 was 713.69 billion USD, as reported by Statista [1]. 

Leadership

Tom Wolf is the current Governor of Pennsylvania, first elected in 2014. Before his political career, he worked in the private sector as a businessman and philanthropist [1].

Jim Kenney is the current Mayor of Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. He has held this position since 2016; before that, he was a Pennsylvania House of Representatives member.

Bob Casey Jr. and Pat Toomey are two U.S. Senators representing Pennsylvania. Bob Casey Jr. is a Democrat serving in the Senate since 2007, while Pat Toomey is a Republican who has served since 2011. Both senators were re-elected to their positions in the 2018 mid-term elections.

Economy

Pennsylvania has a diverse economy, including healthcare, education, energy, and manufacturing industries, as well as several large corporations like Comcast and Wawa. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is 6.0% [1]. Some common jobs in Pennsylvania include Registered Nurses, Physicians, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Management Analysts [1].

It is important to note that fact-checking is an ongoing process and information can change over time. Hence, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and continue to verify the accuracy of information.

Healthcare

According to research, 73.7% of Pennsylvania residents have access to a regular doctor, slightly above the national average of 73.5%. However, the health status of 12.5% of Pennsylvania’s adults is considered fair or poor. The state has a good healthcare infrastructure, with many hospitals and clinics providing quality medical care.

Peace/Safety

Pennsylvania is generally considered safe in the US, with low crime rates and well-staffed police forces. However, some of its cities, such as Philadelphia, may have higher crime rates than others [1]. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the overall crime rate in Pennsylvania was 2,401.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, which is lower than the national average of 3,635.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. Additionally, the violent crime rate in Pennsylvania was 301.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, also lower than the national average of 368.9 per 100,000 inhabitants [2]. However, Philadelphia had a higher crime rate in 2020, with an overall crime rate of 4,561 per 100,000 inhabitants and a violent crime rate of 633.6 per 100,000 inhabitants [3]. It is important to note that crime rates can vary widely within a city, and some neighbourhoods may be safer than others.

Biggest challenges

According to available data, the statement “The biggest challenges in Pennsylvania include poverty and income inequality. The state also needs help in terms of public education, as well as infrastructure and transportation” appears factual.

Regarding poverty and income inequality, the Census Bureau reports that the poverty rate in Pennsylvania was 9.9% in 2019 [10]. Additionally, the state has been ranked 36th in the nation for income inequality in 2022, with a Gini coefficient of 0.461 [1].

Regarding public education, a 2021 report by Education Week ranked Pennsylvania 23rd in the nation for K-12 education [2]. The state also faces funding challenges for its public schools, with a recent lawsuit alleging that its funding formula for public education is unconstitutional [3].

Regarding infrastructure and transportation, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania a grade of C- in its 2021 infrastructure report card, citing concerns over the state’s deteriorating roads, bridges, and transit systems [4]. The state has also been dealing with issues related to aging infrastructure, such as water main breaks and sinkholes [5].

Prayer Points for Pennsylvania

Jeremiah 29:7

7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

• Lord, we pray for ending poverty and income inequality in Pennsylvania. We ask that you provide for those struggling financially and give them hope for a better future.
• We pray that the public education system in Pennsylvania will be adequately funded and staffed with qualified educators with a heart for teaching.
• Father, we pray that Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transportation systems will be maintained and upgraded as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
• Lord, we pray for Pennsylvania’s immigrant population to be welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.
• We pray for an end to violence and crime in the state, and for law enforcement officials to have the wisdom and resources they need to protect the communities they serve.
• Father, we pray for the natural resources of Pennsylvania that they would be protected and stewarded well for the benefit of future generations.
• We pray that Pennsylvania’s arts and cultural institutions would thrive and bring joy and inspiration to all who experience them.
• Lord, we pray for the homeless and those struggling with addiction in Pennsylvania, that they would find hope and heal through your grace and the support of caring individuals and organizations.
• We pray for racial reconciliation in Pennsylvania that barriers between people of different races and ethnicities would be broken down and that unity and understanding would prevail.
• Father, we pray for a spirit of cooperation and collaboration among the people and leaders of Pennsylvania, that they would work together for the common good and for the flourishing of all.

As followers of Christ, we are called to lift up our communities in prayer and intercession. Let us unite in faith, lifting up Pennsylvania and its inhabitants to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.