Pray for Michigan! N O W !!!

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:1-4:  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone —  2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

There has never been a better time to pray for those in Michigan who are in authority.  You don’t even have to live in Michigan to know that we are going through some very tough economic times.  I was recently in St. Louis and while boarding a plane the individual in front of me asked where I lived.  When I said, “Michigan,” they responded with, “Oh, I’m sorry.”  The person in back of me, hearing that brief “conversation,” commented that they were just returning from seeing their husband in Florida where he had to move from Michigan to find a job.  She was still “holding down the fort” at their home in mid-Michigan in his absence.

There’s a Detroit Free Press story that’s pretty good at explaining how the state’s economy has really depleted the state’s treasury.  It’s worth the read … http://freep.com/article/20090927/NEWS06/909270426/1322/Next-2-years-could-beeven-worse-for-Michigan-budget

When I recently had a cup of coffee with a former state employee and friend I learned that the Michigan State Constitution says the state budget needs to be adopted by October 1.  With the difference between revenue and spending estimated to be more than $2 billion … what should our great state do? 

• Do you raise taxes or cut?

• Right now, there are bills to cut state aid to public schools by $250 per student.  That would be devastating to our state’s public education program and its children.

• State revenue sharing -- funds which goes back to local units of government like cities and townships -- will be cut dramatically.  The only question is how much … and how will we get by with fewer policeman and fire fighters.

• Can the roads in Michigan get any worse?  (Unfortunately, we may find out ...)

State legislators -- all of them -- need Michigan citizens to pray for them NOW.  My friend shared the following prayer items or possibilities.  Please join me in praying for …

• Listening:  They need open ears to be able to listen with a heart that's not governed by partisan concerns.

• Decision-making:  They need to be able to make decisions without fear and with confidence that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

• Discernment:  They need to be able to see the limits of government and its ability to provide services.
  

• Communication:  They need to be able to communicate clearly with their fellow legislators, staff and especially with their constituents.
  

• Physical stamina:  They need the physical stamina to function when their tanks are nearing empty and when they'd rather be any place other than in session arguing and advocating for their position.

• Hope:  That those in authority in our state and country would find, believe in, and share the only true lasting hope and help we have ... which is in Jesus Christ our lord.

The need to pray for our legislators is NOW.  It's ALL happening NOW and will probably be incredibly tense through Thursday … or possibly through this weekend.

In order that you might pray more specifically for your State House Member or State Senator use the following links:

• Find your Michigan State House Member: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp

• Find your Michigan State Senator: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm

Here’s another strong encouragement:  phone or email your lawmakers to let them know that they're being prayed for.  Republicans shouldn't fear calling a Democrat's office or vice-versa. 

Think of the potential, godly influence this has for our troubled state.

pm