Kemp calls for Day of Prayer on Monday

ATLANTA — Georgia Baptists are urged to take part in a statewide Day of Prayer this Monday called by Governor Brian Kemp. Members of the governor's staff confirmed the announcement as well as a private prayer service being held in the Capitol Rotunda with a small group of pastors.

“All of us are called to pray for those battling COVID-19, caregivers, medical professionals, first responders, and essential workers,” said Marcus Merritt, Georgia Baptist Mission Board prayer coordinator. “But also, please pray for Georgia’s pastors to have wisdom concerning how and when to reopen their doors for public worship.

“In addition, we want to pray for Governor Brian Kemp as he leads in reopening Georgia.”

The Georgia Baptist Mission Board has provided the suggested outline for participating in the Day of Prayer:

Getting started: Someone pray. Ask God to reveal His truth through the Bible. Ask Him to guide you to pray according to His will.

Bible truths: Listen as God’s Word is read. What meaningful truths do you learn from these Scriptures that can guide your prayers?

• Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Jeremiah 29:7
• Discuss what you heard that was meaningful. (You may want to read the Scripture a second time to catch things you may have missed.)
• Ask, “What is God teaching us through the COVID 19 crisis?”
• Take time for personal repentance and silent prayers of confession.

Pray for Governor Kemp:

1. Pray for wisdom and discernment in reopening our state.
2. Pray for his cabinet and counselors. Pray specifically that they provide wise counsel.
3. Pray that Governor Kemp remains strong in the face of local and national criticism.
4. Pray that he continues providing clear and responsible guidelines.
5. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower Governor Kemp in order to fulfill God’s will for our state.
6. Pray that God fills Governor Kemp with peace and assurance.  

Center of Influence: Government

1. This center of influence includes such people as our president, judges, legislators, mayors, city council, and school board members, and first responders like police and firefighters.
2. What challenges and needs are people in government experiencing? Name as many as you can in a couple of minutes. Include such things as decision making that could mean life or death for citizens, budget management, conflict over values and convictions, corruption, and the need for wisdom and compassion.
3. How can government have an influence for good or evil?

Prayer Points for Government: Take turns praying sentence prayers. Thank God for the ministry and influence of people serving in government. Ask God to call, equip, and establish Christians in these places of influence. Pray for government leaders and workers. Use some of the following prayer points or pray your own.

Provision                 Boldness                   Conviction of sin   
Protection                Honesty                    Comfort in sorrow or loss
Wisdom                    Holiness                   Service to others
Creativity                 Humility                   Encouragement
Peace                        Forgiveness             Healthy Relationships
Truth                         Purity                        Encounter with Jesus
Courage                    Correction                Love for Others

Personal Prayer for Your City and Country: Read again Jeremiah 29:7 and pray specifically for your city and our country.

Merritt noted that the prayer format was inspired by resources provided through theologian and writer Claude King.

“Georgia Baptists take seriously Gov. Kemp’s call for a day of prayer on Monday,” Merritt said. “We wanted to put a prayer guide in the hands of our pastors and associational missions strategists that would focus our prayers. Nothing unites God’s people more than when we are praying in one accord.”