On Monday, December 16, 2019, The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives launched The Tennessee Prayer Initiative alongside Governor Bill Lee in Nashville. In his short remarks, Governor Lee encouraged those attending.
“I have no doubt. . . that through all the circumstances of my life, the Lord has been true to His word that prayer accomplishes much, and that things happen because people pray. What you’re doing is so important, and I am deeply grateful for it.” Gov. Bill Lee
Faith leaders from across the state attended the event at the Capitol, and enjoyed a luncheon afterwards where Marie Williams, Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, encouraged them with her faith story. Other leaders from the state government shared their appreciation for the honor of serving in an administration dedicated to leading with integrity and wisdom. They are thankful for the prayers of the faithful undergirding them in their leadership positions.
The Tennessee Prayer Initiative is designed to get citizens involved in praying daily for our state and its leaders. Those who join receive a daily email with the names of five leaders, including some from each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial), and a short prayer focused on a specific value for the leaders. We pray for wisdom, unity, sound judgment, peace, mercy, etc. with the goal that every leader will be prayed for every day. Prayers are non-partisan and interfaith, and people of all faiths are invited to join.
Faith leaders across the state are writing the prayers, though none are credited so that God may receive all the glory. Hundreds of people are already praying through The Tennessee Prayer Initiative. Will you join us? Sign up HERE to receive the daily prayer email.
As Governor Lee affirmed in his remarks, “Government is not the answer to all of our state’s problems, but the people are. Faith-based and community organizations and nonprofits can be and should be a part of addressing the greatest challenges, and the government can partner with them. That’s why The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was established.”