North Carolina – Prayer State for Week of September 13, 2020

Located in the southeastern region of the United States, North Carolina is bordered by Virginia, the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It is the 28th largest state and ranks ninth in population with about ten million five hundred thousand people. It was one of the original thirteen colonies and has much historical background, including the Wright Brothers flying the first airplane in Kitty Hawk. The capital is Raleigh.

The climate of North Carolina is mixed because of its elevation above sea level balanced by the Gulf Stream. Temperatures vary from 32 degrees to 89 degrees. The state often endures severe weather, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes.

The economy of North Carolina is dependent upon industry, hydroelectric power, textiles, furniture, and agriculture, which includes tobacco and even Christmas trees.

With regard to religion, 75% are Christian, with a Baptist majority. Presbyterians are fourth largest. Twenty-seven percent are unaffiliated, and each of the other religions consist of one percent of the population.

North Carolina boasts of numerous highly respected educational institutions and many professional and college sports.

Problems in North Carolina center around the fact that 14% of the population live in poverty. Medicaid needs to be expanded, and public education needs to be funded to a greater degree. There are climate concerns as well. In addition, there is a need to shrink the rural-urban divide; and finally, the University System needs reform. Let us present these concerns before God; let us pray. Heavenly Father, we lift up the state of North Carolina, famed for its beauty and many resources. We ask that You continue to bless this state and minister to its needs. We pray for an expansion of Medicaid to serve those living in poverty. We pray for strengthening of the education system at the grade school level with increased funding for public education and that the university system address the reform that is needed. We ask that climate concerns be addressed through a clean energy plan. We also ask that the division between rural and urban populations be reconciled. We pray all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Who is well known and widely worshiped here; may the people’s faith continue to be strengthened. Amen.