Rain & Weather are big issues. South Dakota seldom gets it "just right" - too little rain has been hard on "West River" (the area west of the Missouri River). Drought conditions last year impaired hay production and forced ranchers to sell off their cattle. Give thanks that this year's spring rains have been more hopeful.
East River folks have worries about too much rain. Farmers have trouble getting their crops in the ground if fields stay too wet too late.
Flood recovery continues in several areas around the state.
And we are in tornado season.
O GOD, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance; Send us, we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wet weather means mosquitos, and we just had this year's first reported case of West Nile Virus.
O MOST mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Economic Development and Employment are big issues. We give thanks that the large medical facilities in Sioux Falls continue to expand and generate research as well as excellent care. A new development dubbed "The Gorilla" (rumored to be a fuel refinery) might create 2,000 jobs. But there are always stories of layoffs and closures along the way. South Dakota has one of the nation's highest rates for women in the workforce and also folks holding multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who declarest thy glory and showest forth thy handiwork in the heavens and in the earth; Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our several callings, from the service of mammon, that we may do the work which thou givest us to do, in truth, in beauty, and in righteousness, with singleness of heart as thy servants, and to the benefit of our fellow men; for the sake of him who came among us as one that serveth, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After recent sexual misconduct cases, the State Legislature is contemplating a new code of ethics.
O GOD, the fountain of wisdom, whose statutes are good and gracious and whose law is truth; We beseech thee so to guide and bless the Legislature of this State, that it may ordain for our governance only such things as please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of the people; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Please pray for all of these needs and the Lord's blessing of our state.
3 comments:
The Hot Springs Ministerium has been meeting each week day at the (inoperative) fountain at the city park at noon, to lead community prayer for rain, for the past four weeks. Of course, at the same time, St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hot Springs is in process of building an addition to their facility, so our prayers are targeted: gardens in town, ranchers hay needs, farmers needs, and wildlife needs...but not at 6th and University.
Great news about your prayer witness, Chip+.
Hope others are praying for the needs of their communities around our state.
Thanks be to God - Tornado Watch passed last night without any funnels.
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