JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Just as Isaiah caught a fresh understanding of God in the face of adversity, God’s people in Missouri must catch a fresh vision as lawmakers wrestle with cuts necessary to balance the state’s budget, according to evangelist Billy Graham’s daughter.
Anne Graham Lotz called the state’s Christians to prayer, sacrifice and an attempt to understand Christ’s provision and the needs left unmet as the state faces a massive financial crisis during a March 29 appearance at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City.
Lotz was the featured speaker at a prayer rally after state legislators, struggling to bridge a $500 million budget gap, had called on spiritual leaders to pray over the state’s financial woes.
Some legislators approached registered lobbyist and Missouri Family Network president Kerry Messer, a longtime Missouri Baptist, and Sue Stoltz, Midwest national area leader for the National Day of Prayer, to organize 40 days of prayer and fasting.
The noon prayer service in the building’s rotunda kicked off “Show Me Your Glory, Lord,” followed by prayer-walking around the complex. Constituents also prayed with their respective lawmakers. The 40-days-of-prayer emphasis is slated to end on May 7, the day the budget is due.
Billed as a non-partisan, non-political event, the prayer focus drew a standing-room only crowd, with onlookers watching from both rotunda galleries, as well as lining the steps.
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