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?
Pray for Governor Kemp:
Center of Influence: Government
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.”