Before diving into the day’s work, public officials and private citizens came together on Jan. 23 for the South Dakota Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, a dedicated time of fellowship and praising Jesus Christ.
The state leaders sought God’s will and strength for their duties and credited Him as their sole authority. One representative noted that to serve others is to serve the Lord.
Will Graham, who was invited to speak and lead a prayer, took the opportunity to share the Gospel with anyone who didn’t yet have a relationship with Christ. He told the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader in the Bible.
Reading from John 3, he explained that though Nicodemus was a man of faith, he hadn’t fully surrendered his life to Jesus, who transforms us from the inside out.
“You can do good things, you can serve your community, but that doesn’t make you right in God’s eyes,” said Graham. “You may look like you have it all together, but on the inside you’re far from God.”
At the end of his message, Graham invited attendees to begin their own relationship with Jesus Christ, and several raised their hands, ready to commit their lives to the Lord.
Prayers for South Dakota Representatives
Later in the day, at the South Dakota House of Representatives, Will Graham prayed again, this time for the state legislators who had gathered.
“Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for the men and women in this room right now. They carry a burden that most people will neither understand nor fully appreciate … because they feel they were called by You to do so,” he said.
“I pray that You’ll give them each the wisdom to know what is right and the courage to follow Your desires, no matter the cost.”
Graham went on to pray that state legislators will seek God above all else so that they may serve others with “unity of heart, mind, and soul.”
Will you pray for lawmakers across the country as they make decisions that impact millions? Ask God to give them discernment as they navigate these challenging times.
