Prayer for Maryland

The recent events in Maryland have left many residents in despair. The state is grappling with multiple challenges, from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the surge in crime rates and political unrest. Many are turning towards prayer as a source of comfort and hope in these trying times.

In this blog post, we will discuss the power of prayer and how it can help us navigate difficult times. We will also explore Maryland’s specific issues and how prayer can force positive change in the state. Whether you are a believer or not, prayer can provide solace and guidance during challenging times.

Join us on this journey of faith and hope as we offer prayer for Maryland. We will provide practical tips and advice on incorporating prayer into your daily routine and share inspiring stories of how prayer has made a difference in people’s lives. Let us pray and work towards a brighter future for Maryland.

Psalm 33:12

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

Quick Brief

Maryland, one of the original thirteen states of the United States, has a population of 6,045,680 people as per the U.S. Census Bureau [3]. It is the 19th most populous state in the United States [5]. Maryland is in the Mid-Atlantic region and shares borders with Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware [1][6].

Maryland has a total area of 12,407 square miles (32,133 square kilometers) of land and water [6]. The state is the 42nd largest in the United States [5].

Maryland has grown by 271,886 people since 2010, representing almost a five percent growth (4.71 percent) [7]. Additionally, it is the fifth most densely populated state in the country, with 636 people per square mile (246 per square kilometer) [9].

According to the provided sources, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Maryland in 2021 was $438.2 billion [1], and $364.24 billion in real terms [2]. 

Leadership

Larry Hogan has been the governor of Maryland since January 2015 [4]. He is a member of the Republican Party [6], and before his political career, he was a businessman and founder of The Hogan Companies, a real estate brokerage firm [7].

Hogan is a cancer survivor and has been open about his battle with the disease. In his memoir, he describes his journey and how it has influenced his political career [4]. Additionally, he has spoken about his faith journey and how it has impacted his life [4].

Bernard “Jack” Young is Baltimore’s 45th and current mayor and has served in this office since 2019 [5, 10]. Mayor Young inherited serious, longstanding problems that have plagued previous administrations, including corruption investigations and high crime rates, and was thrust into office by his predecessor’s resignation amid these investigations [6, 8].

Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen are the two senators representing Maryland in the United States Senate [3]. Senator Cardin has served since 2007 but was also a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 3rd congressional district from 1987 to 2007 [2][6]. He has a long public service record, having served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967 to 1986 [2]. On the other hand, Senator Van Hollen was elected in 2016 and has served as the junior United States Senator from Maryland since 2017 [3]. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a strong advocate for progressive policies [3].

Economy

Maryland is known for its strong biotechnology, cybersecurity, and defense industries [2]. The state also has several major universities and research institutions, including the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University [7]. The common jobs in Maryland are registered nurses, software developers, and physical therapists [2]. The unemployment rate in Maryland is 4.4% [4].

Healthcare

According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 80.7% of Maryland residents have access to a regular doctor, which is higher than the national average of 73.5%. Additionally, the state has a lower uninsured rate, with just 5.9% of uninsured residents compared to the national average of 8.9% [1].

Peace/Safety

Maryland is generally considered safe, with low crime rates [2]. The state has well-staffed law enforcement agencies, and its cities rank among the safest in the nation [7]. However, like all states, Maryland faces challenges related to violence and crime, and there have been violent crime in the state in the past [2].

Biggest challenges

Maryland faces challenges related to poverty, income inequality, and crime. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, Maryland’s poverty rate in 2020 was 7.9%, slightly lower than the national average of 9.2%. However, income inequality remains a challenge, with the state ranking 19th in the country as of 2021 [3]. Additionally, while Maryland is generally considered a safe state, there are ongoing concerns about crime and violence in some urban areas [2][4].

10 Powerful Prayer Points for Maryland

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.

• Heavenly Father, we lift up the leaders of Maryland to You, including Governor Hogan, Mayor Young, and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen. May they seek Your wisdom, guidance, and strength in their decision-making. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Lord, we pray for the families of these leaders, that You would protect and provide for them in every way. (Psalm 91:11-12)
• Father, we ask for peace and safety in the cities and communities of Maryland. We pray that violence and crime would end, and that those affected by it would be healed and comforted. (Psalm 34:14)
• Lord, we lift up the economy of Maryland to You, and we pray for provision and opportunities for its residents. (Philippians 4:19)
• Father, we pray for the churches in Maryland, that they would be a light in their communities and bring hope to those who are struggling. (Matthew 5:14-16)
• Lord, we ask for access to quality healthcare for all residents of Maryland. We pray that healthcare providers have wisdom and discernment as they serve those in need. (Jeremiah 30:17)
• Father, we pray for ending poverty and income inequality in Maryland. We ask that You provide for those struggling financially and bring justice to those oppressed. (Psalm 140:12)
• Lord, we ask for protection over Maryland’s natural resources and environment. We pray that the state would be a good steward of the land and waters under its care. (Genesis 1:26)
• Father, we lift up the education system in Maryland to You. We pray for teachers, students, and administrators, that they would have the resources they need to succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)
• Lord, we pray for the spiritual revival of Maryland. We ask that hearts would be turned towards You, and that Your love and grace would transform lives and communities. (Acts 3:19)