Pray for Iowa State
As the state of Iowa stands at the crossroads of progress and challenges, it is important to pause and reflect on the power of prayer. With its fertile farmland, vibrant cities and welcoming communities, Iowa has been a beacon of hope and resilience for generations. In these uncertain times, however, we must remember that our words and actions can determine the course of our collective destiny. Through the lens of lexical semantics, let us explore the meaning of prayer for the state of Iowa and how it can strengthen our bonds, lift our spirits, and pave the way for a brighter future.
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.
As followers of Christ, we are called to lift up our communities in prayer and intercession. This post is intended to guide your prayers for the state of Iowa, focusing on economic stability, safety, and its residents’ overall health and happiness. We need to pray for our politicians, regardless of our personal opinions of them, because they play a critical role in shaping the state’s future. Let us unite in faith and lift Iowa and its residents to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.
Quick Brief
Population
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, as of 2019, Iowa’s estimated population is 3,155,070 people, up 108,199 from the 2010 population [1][5]. Other sources, including the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Independent Voter Project, also confirm that Iowa’s estimated population in 2019 was 3,155,070 [3][10]. Iowa’s population has steadily increased, with 2,926,324 people in 2000 and 3,046,355 people in 2010 [2]. Iowa is the 31st most populous state in the US [6]. Its population is spread across 99 counties and 944 incorporated towns and cities, with Des Moines being the most populous city with a population of 204,220 [3].
GDP
According to the latest available data, Iowa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 was approximately $219.842 billion [3]. Other sources, such as data.iowa.gov and fred.stlouisfed.org, also confirm that Iowa’s GDP has been growing in real terms over the past five years and has reached the highest level recorded to date [1][4][8]. Furthermore, the finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing industry added the most real value to Iowa’s GDP in 2021 [5]. It is important to note that Iowa’s economy has evolved, and although it was once an agricultural state, it is now diversified [7]. Iowa’s GDP has increased since 2010; as of 2021, it is approximately $219.842 billion [3].
Leadership
Kim Reynolds has been the governor of Iowa since 2017 and has had a long career in politics, serving as Lieutenant Governor and a state senator. Reynolds was elected as the 43rd governor of Iowa in 2017. She was the first woman elected to the state’s highest office in November 2018 [2]. Before being elected as Governor, Reynolds served as the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 2011 to 2017; before that, she served as a state senator [10].
Frank Cownie is the mayor of Des Moines, Iowa, and has served in this role since 2004. [5] Mayor Cownie is a native of Des Moines and grew up attending Theodore Roosevelt High School and Iowa State University. [1]
Mayor Cownie is known for his dedication to environmental advocacy and community development. He is the president of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a group based in Germany that works with local leaders on environmental, economic, and social problems. [2] Cownie has also gained more international influence as an environmental advocate since the last election. [4]
Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are Iowa’s senators[2]. Senator Grassley has been serving in office since 1981 [1]. Ernst was elected to the Senate in 2014 but officially took office in January 2015 [5]. Both senators have extensive political careers, with Senator Grassley previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator Ernst serving in the Iowa State Senate and the Iowa Army National Guard [3][5]. While they are dedicated to serving the people of Iowa, they have also faced criticism from some Iowa residents and organizations for their political stances and actions [2][9][10].
Economy
Agriculture is a major contributor to Iowa’s economy, as the state is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for farming. Over 85% of Iowa’s land is farmed, with corn and soybeans being the state’s top crops [5][4]. Iowa is also home to several major corporations, including John Deere, Casey’s General Stores, and Rockwell Collins, contributing to the state’s economy through job creation and revenue generation [1][2].
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the top three occupations in Iowa by employment were Retail Salespersons, Cashiers, and Registered Nurses [1]. Agriculture is a significant industry in Iowa, and the state has a high percentage of workers in the agriculture sector. The BLS reports that in May 2020, approximately 7.3% of Iowa’s employment was in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry [2]. As of February 2022, Iowa’s unemployment rate was 2.5%, lower than the national average [3]. according to the BLS, as of May 2021, the median annual wage for Agricultural Managers in Iowa was $75,610, while the median hourly wage for Agricultural Workers was $14.92 [4]. Iowa’s median annual wage for Food Service Managers was $51,690 [4].
Healthcare
The claim that 81.9% of Iowa residents have access to a regular doctor, compared to the national average of 73.5%, is true based on the available evidence [1]. Additionally, the claim that the state’s health status is better than the national average, with 11.4% of adults having a fair or poor health status, also appears to be true according to the data provided by the State of Iowa’s Department of Public Health [1].
Peace/Safety
According to the sources [2], [6], and [7], Iowa has generally considered a safe state with a relatively low crime rate. However, there has been a slight increase in crime over the past couple of years, with 338 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020, a 5% increase from the previous year. Some cities, such as Des Moines, have higher crime rates than the state average, while other cities, such as Polk City, are ranked among the safest cities in the state. Nevertheless, Iowa’s crime rate remains below the national average. While Iowa cannot be considered crime-free, it is generally regarded as a safe state with a well-staffed police force. [1]
Biggest challenges
While Iowa is generally considered a safe state with low crime rates [2], limited access to healthcare in rural areas is an issue that Iowa is facing [2]. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Iowa ranks 34th in the country for overall health, indicating room for improvement [11]. Iowa’s poverty rate was 8.1% in 2019, which was lower than the national average of 10.5% for that same year [12]. Additionally, Iowa has an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of February 2023, below the national average [8].
Prayer Points for Iowa
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
- Heavenly Father, we pray for the leaders of Iowa (Proverbs 11:14). May they be guided by wisdom and integrity as they lead the state. We ask that You grant them discernment and understanding to make wise decisions that benefit all residents.
- Lord, we pray for the families of Iowa’s leaders. May they be surrounded by love and support (Psalm 133:1). We ask that You bless their families with good health, strong relationships, and joy.
- Almighty God, we pray for the state of Iowa (Psalm 91:1). We ask that Your hand of protection be upon it and its residents. We pray that You would guard them from harm and danger and keep them safe from all evil.
- Lord, we pray for the economy of Iowa (Deuteronomy 28:8). We ask that You bless the agriculture sector with abundance and prosperity. May the farmers and ranchers of Iowa experience Your favor and provision, and may their harvest be bountiful.
- Father, we pray for the healthcare system of Iowa (Isaiah 58:8). We ask that You bless them with resources, funding, and competent staff to provide quality care to all residents. May they have the necessary tools and equipment to meet the healthcare needs of the people.
- Lord, we pray for peace and safety in all communities of Iowa (Psalm 46:1). We ask that You protect them from violence, crime, and unrest. May they experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding and Your provision for all their needs.
- Heavenly Father, we pray for a spiritual awakening in Iowa (2 Chronicles 7:14). May the church rise up and impact their communities for the glory of God. We ask that You would open the hearts of the people to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and that they may come to know You as their Lord and Savior.
