Jim Gibbons - Nevada

There cannot be enough good said about Governor Gibbons. He had an impressive military and business career before entering politics in the 1990's. He has worked hard for the people of Nevada and deserves all the support that the good people of that state can give him! Here is my prayer for him:

Heavenly Father, thank you for raising up such outstanding men and women to lead our states. A state such as Nevada, known for its sin and corruption, needs a good man at the helm to guard the beliefs and standards of the common man.

While this is a pluralistic society that feels that it does not need you, we pray that you will have a witness - especially in the state house! Be with Governor Gibbons, keeping his honest in the midst of evil influences. Bless his marriage in a culture that discards vows as easier as it makes them.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Dave Heineman - Nebraska

Dave Heinman took over the reins of the state of Nebraska when his boss got a "promotion" to work in the administration of George W. Bush. And now he has taken his experience in the army and a decade of public service to serve his fellow Nebraskans in the geographic center of America.

"Governor Heineman’s vision for Nebraska is based on four priorities: education, economic vitality, efficiency in government, and protecting families."

"The Governor is a native Nebraskan. He was born in Falls City and grew up in Fairbury, McCook, Benkelman and Wahoo, where he graduated from high school. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1970 and served five years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of captain. He is also a graduate of the Army's Airborne and Ranger Schools."

This evening, I raise this prayer for the governor:

Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of this great land, we pray that your grace will shine upon this state at the center of us all. Be with its governor as he seeks to meet his admirable goals for the betterment of the citizens of his state, be they children, working adults or governing bodies.

Bless his marriage. Keep the relationship strong between him and his wife. Be with his son as he studies in college, guiding him to the career you have for him.

Strengthen his faith, and be with the leaders to whom he is accountable in his church family. Keep him safe from the temptations that come with authority.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Matt Blunt - Missouri

[Originally planned for April 16]

From the website linked below:

"Governor Blunt was born November 20, 1970 in Springfield, Missouri. He attended public schools in Strafford, and graduated from Jefferson City High School prior to entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Prior to his election as governor, Matt Blunt served as an active duty Naval Officer, as a member of the Missouri General Assembly (District 139) and as Missouri’s 37th Secretary of State."

http://www.gov.mo.gov/biography.htm

I was impressed by this biographical sketch and emailed the following prayer:

A Prayer for Gov. Blunt

Heavenly Father, we pray for Governor Blunt. We thank you raising him up to service to the country in the military.

And now, as he serves as governor of Missouri, we pray that the same values that he showed in that service will be evident daily in his service to his state.

Bless his efforts for the continued prosperity of Missouri through both education and economic development.

Bless his marriage, keep it strong.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Brian Schweitzer -- Montana

From growing up on the farm, Governor Schweitzer took his love of agriculture to new heights. His special interest in irrigation lead to international efforts to improve agriculture in the third world. He and his wife worked for years in Africa helping build systems to help drought stricken areas.

Returning to Montana to raise their family, they built their business in the states as they had overseas. Their efforts lead to national attention that landed appointments Schweitzer left only to run for public office in 1999.

I emailed my appreciation for all he has done, and offered this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise your Name. You have raised up men and women to lead our states in this time of crisis. Be with them in a special way, granting them wisdom to know the paths of righteousness which we must tread.

Bless the marriage of Governor and Mrs. Schweitzer, assuring their relationship will remain strong for the rest of their lives. Bless their children as they grow up in the shadow of their accomplishments.

Be with the people of Montana, give them prosperity and peace in the coming days. Give all travelers in their state safety as vacations begin to visit the beauty that is the mountains that give the state its name.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Haley Barbour - Mississippi

Interestingly enough, Gov. Barbour's website does not have an email capacity. And so, this prayer goes out "blind," without first notifying his office. In a way, having a mailing address and telephone number as the only ways to contact him makes him seem "closer" to those who really need to do so. Guys like me -- and the media! -- can't sneak up on him in electronic secrecy! But on the other hand, it makes him seem a little aloof. But then, that's just me.

His website, though, was good. His biography is the first in 22 to mention his pro-life stance. That is very positive. As a rare re-elected governor of Mississippi, he has done a lot to improve a state near the bottom in so many categories. Even with Katrina, or maybe because of it, the progress is impressive. And so, if any of his staff come across this, here is my prayer:

Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of us all, we ask your mercy on us, poor sinners saved by grace. There are so many ways in which we fall short. Lift us, Lord, even as we humble ourselves in your presence.

I pray that Governor and his wife will remain in good health. I pray that the wisdom which is from above will dwell in him as he makes decisions that affect Mississippi's millions.

Be with Mississippi and its residents as they continue to rebuild these many months and years since the devastation of the hurricanes of 2005. I remember my own extended family, the Martins of Mississippi, as they most certainly were affected as well.

Lord, be with the continued growth in the education, health, and economy of Mississippi.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Tim Pawlenty - Minnesota

Even a man who has done great things must be . As we face problems, we know tat God is real!

Heavenly Father, You are greater than any of us -- You are greater than ALL of us. Without You we are nothing. Thank you LORD for your mercy in seeing our plight and thus teaching us to see it through.

Bless Gov. and Mrs. Pawlenty, his wife, and his family. Grant them a strong marriage and long life together.

We pray that God will look kindly on the governors efforts in the education, the economy and health.

In Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

Jennifer Granholm - Michigan

Jennifer Granholm has proven that a woman can be tough on both crime and fiscal policy. As a prosecutor she had a 98 percent conviction rate. And as governor she has "successfully resolved more than $4 billion in budget deficits, trimming more from state government than any governor in Michigan's history. A fiscal hawk, Granholm has worked to ensure that state government spends every penny efficiently." - quote from www.michigan.gov

Governor Granholm and her husband, Daniel Mulhern, have three children. Along with most governors, her priorities are the economy, education, and security. Re-elected in 2006, she has proven that her policies are successful.

Tonight I pray for her:

Heavenly Father, great is your Name above all others. We come before You in humble reliance on your power. Otherwise, we would fail miserably.

We pray this night for Governor Granholm of Michigan. We pray that her family will be healthy, and that her marriage will be strong.

We pray that the economy will be strong and that the schools will be effective in bringing up the next generation to succeed in the changing world.

We pray for the health of the citizens of her state. Guide their leaders in providing quality health care that is patient friendly.

Bless Gov. Granholm's work with the other governors - both of her party and others - in improving life in these United States.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.