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.

Deval Patrick - Massachusetts

"The Commonwealth’s first African-American Governor, Deval Patrick came into office with a grassroots message of hope, community and hard work. By focusing on transparency and inclusion, he hopes to increase accessibility to government and encourage the civic engagement so crucial to shared progress in education, health care, economic development and other issues.

Diane and Deval Patrick have been married for over two decades and have two college-age daughters, Sarah and Katherine. The Patrick family has lived in Milton, in a house on Deval’s high school paper route, for the last 17 years." -- From his bio at mass.gov



A Prayer:

Glorious Father, we lift up Governor Patrick in his elevation to the office in the cradle of America! Onto those shores came our Pilgrim forefathers - a small band of Puritans, with a vision for a new world governed by your Law.

How we have fallen! But You have raised up men of vision, such as Governor Patrick, to lead us back to a world where freedom and justice are truly for all.

Bless Deval and Diane's marriage - keep it strong. Bless their relationship with their daughters who are now seeking lives of their own as they study in college.

And we pray for Massachusetts - for its people, for its historical landmarks, for its preservation as a bedrock of freedom.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Martin O'Malley - Maryland

An Irish Catholic, Martin O'Malley stands on strong, traditional values. He seeks justice and equity for all. His public service is impressive, and now he has the responsibility over the state that was an early haven for his faith. He lives with his wife Judge Katie O'Malley, with two daughters and two sons. (The picture above is the only public domain one I could get. Go to the governor's website for "private use" photo ops)

This is the prayer I prayed for him:

I pray that you will ALWAYS keep God in mind whenever you make plans for the state. Without our faith, we cannot do anything to please God. So, keep the faith!

I pray that your marriage will remain strong, and that your relationship with your children will grow stronger with each passing day.

I pray that your staff will remain loyal, faithfully working together as a team to advance the cause of your great state.

All these things, and more, I pray in the Name of Jesus Our Savior,

John Baldacci - Maine

"Governor Baldacci was born and raised in Bangor, Maine. One of eight children, Baldacci learned the value of communication and cooperation at a young age. As he grew up in his family's Bangor restaurant, Momma Baldacci's, Baldacci was surrounded by civic-minded family and community members who instilled in him an intense work ethic and an equally intense desire to serve the people of his state. While working at the family restaurant, Baldacci earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Maine, where he continued to learn about the opportunities and challenges that faced the people in his communities."

http://www.state.me.us/governor/baldacci/about/index.shtml

Heavenly Father, we praise Your Name. You are the Creator, and our Sustainer.

I lift up Governor Baldacci and his family. Give him strength to face the future. Bless his marriage. Keep it strong.

Grant that he will continue to speak the voice of the people in Augusta and thoughout the state.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Bobbly Jindal - Louisiana

Bobby Jindal is a native Louisianan born to immigrant parents. He understands the troubles of minority citizens in times of trouble. After an impressive career in private and public service, he ran for governor in 2007 winning in all but a few of the parishes. He has his work set out for him in a troubled state. He will remain in our prayers.

I emailed this prayer to him this past evening (Wednesday):


Heavenly Father, I lift up the governor with all honor to his office. I know that governing Louisiana in such a hard time as the continued recovery from Katrina is not an easy task. I pray that You give his wisdom to build confidence in the authorities after so many mistakes were made.

I pray for his family. Give them a strong marriage. Bless the children as their father has come of prominence. I pray that the governor will remember his children in a time that they need him, making time when all else is pressing upon him.

We thank you, Lord, for strong leaders like Gov. Jindal. May you continue to bless the USA.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Steve Beshear - Kentucky

After having come up through the ranks of the political machinery, Steve Beshear fell short as he sought to advance from Lieutenant Governor back in the mid-eighties. Though disappointed, he did not stop there. He went into private practice as a leading lawyer in a large firm! And then, the call of public service pulled once more. This time he became the governor! We wish him the best.

Here is the prayer that I emailed him this evening:


Heavenly Father, You are so much above us. We are so small, but you are merciful to hear us. As we work together here in these United States, we thank you for the men and women that you have directed to rule over us. We know that they are mere human, lead in wisdom that comes from You. We lift up, now, Governor Beshear and his family. We thank you, Lord, that you have brought him up as a servant for Kentucky. Grant him continued health as he continues to serve in public office after having been in private business for so long. Be with his marriage and with his sons and their families - keep them strong. We lift the commonwealth of Kentucky as the Governor Beshear seeks the goals in the important areas of education, economic growth and health care. Grant him and his staff, the legislature and the courts the wisdom needed for righteousness to prevail. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Kathleen Sibelius - Kansas

"Married to husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 33 years, they have two sons: Ned and John. Both Sebelius boys are products of the Topeka public school system, pre-kindergarten through high school. Ned is a law student, and John is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Sebelius is the first daughter of a Governor (John Gilligan, Ohio, 1971-1975) in U.S. history to be elected to that same position."

--- http://governor.ks.gov/

Just by coincidence, as I was finishing the email to Governor Sibelius, Kansas was winning the NCAA Basketball championship in overtime. The had tied the game in the final seconds after having traded the lead throughout the game. I used the occasion to make an analogy.

Our nation, as it has entered into the twenty-first century, has reached "overtime." We are facing the odds with many of our best players out of the game. We have no more "time outs," and we have maxed out on our fowls. Can we pull out an upset, or will favored "History" win in the end?

All good questions. Let us lift up the good people of "flyover" country - our farmland and small town folk - as they stand for all that made America great!

Chet Culver - Iowa

Governor Culver is a former high school teacher and coach. Having played football in High school and at Virginia Tech, he knows the rigors of the sport. To us former football players, who respect the game and the coaches that put up with us, it is small step from coach Culver to governor Culver!

Education is a big priority to Governor Culver, as we can imagine. His is a small state with a strategic place in US politics. The people of Iowa are conservative, but understand progress as well. Below is the prayer I emailed to Gov. Culver tonight with hopes that he might pray something like it when he receives it tomorrow.


Heavenly Father, we glory in your presence among us for we are unworthy sinners. We praise you for the grace you have shown in saving us by the sacrifice of your son. We come before you only in His Resurrection power, through His mediation, by the Holy Spirit who is within us.

We pray now for your wisdom in each of our governors in this great union of states. We lift up Governor Culver tonight. May he look to you for guidance as he leads Iowa to further excellence. We lift up his wife and children. Give the family health to better serve you.

Preserve Gov. Culver from the temptations that come with the office. Let integrity be evident in all his public and private life.

We pray these things in the name of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mitch Daniels - Indiana

Mitch Daniels, a former businessman, had served in the federal administrations of both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Elected as governor in 2004, Gov. Daniels has worked tirelessly to insure a future Indiana greater than what it was when he took office.

Here is the prayer I emailed him:



Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing on the government of the state of Indiana. We ask that you guide Governor Daniels and his staff in making righteous decisions.

We thank you, LORD, for the renewed economic health of Indiana. We pray that the new businesses that have come there will thrive, allowing all Indianans the prosperity they bring.

We pray now that your people in Indiana will faithfully remember their governor in their prayers daily.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Rod Blagoverich - Illinois

An attorney with expereince in Springfield and in Washington DC, the governor is meeting the problems head-on as a dedicated public servant. He deserves our prayers. I emailed his site:

I am only one man. But like Elijah of old, we know that the prayers of one man can make a difference. If nothing else, the change the one praying. I have a new awareness of the men and women that have are in office. Here is the gist of my prayers for you tonight: Heavenly Father, we glorify your Name. Realizing that you have raised up Rod Blagojevich in his efforts for education, for jobs, and for health care in his great state. We pray for his family that they may prosper in all that they do. Bless the governor in all his interactions at home and abroad. Grant this your servant to accomplish great things for your people in the great state of Illinois! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Butch Otter - Idaho

Butch Otter has been in politics a long time. Before that, he was a successful rancher. Having studied for his present job in a long stint of Lt. Governor.

Here is today's prayer:

Dear Gov. Otter,

As promised, I lift you unto our Father in Heaven in prayer this evening.

I pray that you and your family will remain healthy. With you, I praise God for your recovery from your most recent surgery.

We lift the young people of your state before the throne, seeking safety and security in their education and future jobs.

In Christ,

Henry Martin

Linda Lingle - Hawai'i

Governor Lingle is the first woman, and the first former mayor, to be governor of Hawai'i. She is also the first governor of Jewish heritage to be elected to that office! And she is that rare Republican to reach that honor in our fiftieth state.

Before I go any further in this blog, I want to give my condolences to the governor in the loss of her mother this week (April 1). My wife lost her father last November and we know somewhat the pain she is going through.

Governor Lingle is working for all the things that governors seek to do to improve their state -- education, economy, and energy/ecology.

We stand with her efforts, too, to lower the tax burden for a state with a high cost of living.

Here is the prayer I emailed her tonight:

I am lifting you in my prayers before the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- Praise be to His Name!

May you and your family dwell in peace with all blessings from God. I pray that your health is good and will remain so in the coming year.

May you be preserved from sin that you might have peace with God. If you fall, may God lift you out of the pit and into a more blessed life.

As a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, and believing Him to be Messiah, I pray that your eyes will be opened to your Messiah, that you might know Him in His glory. But as you look to the God of the Torah, I pray that you regard His word as sacred, striving to walk in its light -- no matter what!

Shalom.

In His Name,
Amen.

Sonny Perdue - Georgia

Governor Perdue, a product of central Georgia, entered the Georgia General Assembly after establishing himself as businessman not just locally but in many locations.

He entered politics with slowly, but served well in his posts. Having won his second term in 2006, he continues to lead Georgia in every area.

Here is the email I sent him tonight:

Dear Governor Perdue,

I am sorry to use "Greeting Letter" as a category, but you did not have a category labeled "other" to direct your thoughts toward an unanticipated subject.

I have contacted you of this evening's plans to include you, your family, and your state, in my evening prayers. Having grown up in Georgia, and a 1975 graduate of UGA, I am a displaced Georgian, living a mere 45 miles outside your borders. My immediate family all reside in Georgia. I understand "our" people!

As I have found in praying these past few days, our state governors have many of the same goals - Education, Economics, and Energy. I lift up these areas to the God of All Knowledge, and the One whose stewardship we hold.

I pray for you and your wife, as well as your children and grandchildren. May you continue in good health.

I commend you for publicly acknowledging God in prayer during our shared drought recently. And even with recent rains, it is clear from Lake Hartwell that we need more! So I join you in prayer for divine intervention to bring needed rain.

In Christ,

Henry Martin, Greenville, SC