Maryland FastForward Prayer Guide

Jun 01   -   Jon & Jolene Hamill
Downloadable Resources

A copy of the Root 52 prayer guide for this state can be found by Clicking Here

Introduction

Maryland—it’s time to FAST FORWARD!

Throughout 2012, each state in the union is taking a week to fast and pray for awakening, revival and reformation with a specific focus on the elections. From June 4-11, Maryland receives the torch!

Our Fast Forward theme is “Setting a New Course.” We encourage all to fast and pray this week as we together set a new course for our state and nation.

Remember how the Lord has “married Maryland” and reset His covenant with us. We now have covenantal access and authority to see Maryland truly become a “state of reversal” as was prophesied! Lets partner together to see a reversal of the enemy’s schemes, and a new momentum for God’s covenant plan.

Vision Statement from 8 year-old!

Below is another vision statement, sent as I was writing this by an eight year old named Micah! All we can say is AMEN!

America
God hath blessed us with this united 50 states! So let us guide and protect it for we are a complete nation under the Lord who is the high God! Let us praise him and thank him for his protection guidance love grace and patience. Our nation will stand tall and strong. And be protected against her enemy’s! And everyone will stand up and say, “This is my home and a nation under God a nation free from (dictatorship), free from (dictators’) bossy bossy rules, no more taxes on tea no more bad taxes and bad rules so this nation will stand forever and ever.”
In the high and holy name of God, Amen.

Maryland Week of Prayer

Daily Focused Prayer To make focused prayer easier, we are asking that you target the following spheres on each day of the week.

Each day we ask that you focus on a region of MD. Lay your hands on the region through prayer! Pray for awakening, justice, Godly leadership and economic blessing in each region. Pray for Christians in each region, for protection and advancement!

Each day please also focus on a societal sphere of MD critical to our theme, “setting a new course for our future.”

Monday: Region—Western | Sphere—Education
Tuesday: Region—Central | Sphere—Economy

Wednesday: Region—Metro Baltimore & Annapolis | Sphere—Politics & Elections
Thursday: Region: Metro DC | Sphere—Government & Defense Agencies

Friday: Region—Southern MD | Sphere—Family/Marriage
Saturday: Region—Eastern Shore North MD | Sphere—Media

Sunday: Region—Eastern Shore South| Sphere—Ekklesia (governing church)

MONDAY
Region—Western MD: Garrett, Allegheny, Washington CO
Sphere: Education

Public education is one of the primary strongpoints of our state. The Maryland public school system has now ranked first in nation for the fourth consecutive year, according to an independent national report released in 2012.

This ranking is due in part to the excellence of college education for future educators. From Frostburg State University near Cumberland to Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland to Saint Mary’s College to Salisbury State on the Eastern Shore, Maryland has an incredible wealth of college opportunities.

Ungodly Agendas Emerging

Yet within both K-12 and college education, ungodly agendas are being forced on students while mentoring in biblical virtues is often being marginalized. School boards are often on the frontlines of these battles. Once the sleepiest of election campaigns, the battle for school boards is more and more driven by social issues and agendas more than dedication to quality education and mentoring.

College Campuses: Abuse, Violence, Tuition Rising

College campuses are always edgy. But recently, reports of sexual assault and violence have increased exponentially. Drinking binges, long part of college culture and specifically fraternity rituals, have actually killed a significant number of students.

Meanwhile, tuition costs are rising exponentially, forcing both parents and students to assume debt far beyond their financial capacities.

Prayer Points

Please pray for God’s continued blessing of our educational system. Pray for Godly teachers and mentors. Pray for your school board! Lord let ungodly agendas be blocked, and mentoring and teaching that incorporates and celebrates biblical values be empowered!

Please adopt a high school campus and college campus near you to pray for today. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your intercession for students and teachers. Pray for campus ministries to be anointed and effective. Above all else, PRAY FOR REVIVAL THAT WOULD STEM THE TIDE OF LAWLESSNESS AND ABUSE!

TUESDAY
Region—Central: Frederick, Carroll, Howard
Sphere: Economy

Though relatively small in size, Maryland carries a strong economic impact. In 2010, our state ranked 15 out of 50 states in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the State of Maryland website, “Information technology, telecommunications, aerospace and defense are leading forces behind Maryland’s economic growth. In the biotechnology area, Maryland is a noted leader…”

Maryland is also one of only eight states to achieve an AAA bond rating.

Agriculture and Fishing

Since the inception of the state, agriculture has played a prominent role. Recently, near-drought conditions have threatened crops in this $2.38 billion industry.

Seafood production is flourishing, with the Chesapeake bay affording one of the best seasons of harvest yet for crabs, oysters and fish. In our view, this is directly correlated both to environmental efforts and to key Chesapeake Bay prayer initiatives by Randy and Barbara Walter and others.

Shipping & Manufacturing

Especially with the Port of Baltimore, shipping and manufacturing propelled Maryland forward since its inception. In the ‘70s, the decline of industrial giants such as Bethlehem Steel devastated the metro-Baltimore economy especially, and forced a shift from primarily blue-collar labor to hi-tech and white collar workforce.

Urban & Rural Economies Suffering

Though the economy of Maryland is generally strong, urban Baltimore and many rural areas have been strongly affected by the 2007 recession. Housing prices have spiraled down, and job opportunities are just beginning to resurface in these areas. So many community banks have been sold to national conglomerates, slowing the capacity for communities to invest in their own betterment.

Prayer Points

Please pray for the economy of your region with the Spirit-empowered intel He has given you. Please pray for economic resurgence in urban Baltimore and rural pockets throughout Maryland. Pray for Godly leaders with a vision of transformation. Pray for drought to be abated, and an abundant harvest to be secured for farmers this year!

Ask God to invade the tech industries this year with His Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Let the Daniels in each industry arise and receive God’s wisdom for the future!

WEDNESDAY
Region—Baltimore & Annapolis: Baltimore Co, Hartford, Anne Arundel Co
Sphere: Setting a New Course in Politics & Elections

For most of us, the election year has been primarily defined by the presidential race. But for values-based voters, the challenges of local politics has been fully upon us since the year began. It is now painfully clear how strongly local and state elections actually impact our homes and families. And it became painfully clear how our negligence in past local elections actually framed our present reality.

Pray for Baltimore! Ask God to raise up His army of value voters within every sphere in the body of Christ. Pray for Godly leaders with a resolve to be “owned” by nobody and to stop the cycle of corruption.

Though the MD legislature is no longer in session, Annapolis needs your intercession! Again, pray for Godly leaders to be favored, resourced, and raised up.

As we target prayer for government, pray for your elected officials representing your district, county, and state. Pray for national leaders. Pray for the elections!

Key Trends

Historically, Maryland and Washington DC have both primarily voted Democratic. Whereas many states shifted towards Republican candidates in 2010, Maryland continued its historic trend, with the Democratic Party now holding the Governor’s seat, two US Senate seats, and six of eight US House of Representatives seats.

Maryland has a strong Catholic voter base. Increasingly, many Catholics have sought to vote according to the convictions of their faith. This has sparked a growing trend away from a party-centered identity and towards values-based identity. 

Many African American and Hispanic voters are also shifting away from a party-centered identity and towards a values-based identity. This trend has grown significantly as urban pastors took a strong stand against legalizing same sex marriage in both DC and Maryland.

US Senate—MD

To research candidates click here. This year Sen. Ben Cardin (D) was up for re-election in MD. In the April 3 primary, he faced competition within his party from 8 contenders. In addition, 10 Republican candidates were vying for the position. Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, and former diplomat Richard Douglas were the two primary frontrunners, each obtaining endorsements from key influencers.

US House of Representatives—MD
To research candidates click here. In November, Maryland voters will elect eight candidates to the US House of Representatives. Two are currently Republican, eight Democrat. Although the elections took place on April 3, you can still research these politicians for future elections.

Prayer Points

Pray for values-based voters within both Democrat and Republican parties to mobilize and vote. Pray for clarity for each voter to perceive the candidates who best support biblical convictions in every sphere of life and governance. 

Pray for God to call His people to get involved and bring reformation within both parties.

Pray for corruption and injustice within Maryland’s political system to be exposed and removed so that justice and healing may come.

Finally, please pray for intercessors in each of Maryland’s eight districts to be quickened by the Holy Spirit to pray for both the general election and future state elections! May God’s Eliakims be promoted, in Jesus’ Name!

THURSDAY
Region: Metro DC: Montgomery, Prince Georges Co
Sphere: Government & Defense Agencies

Tens of thousands of Marylanders have critical “gatekeeping” responsibilities within the US government. They are literally working to set a new, and secure, course for our nation and world. They need your prayers!

With close proximity to DC, many government agencies either have headquarters or primary offices in Maryland. They are resourced by thousands of contract agencies, many also here in MD. Here are just a few to pray for. Pray for each agency, and others you may know of, BY NAME. Pray for the workforce within each place. Pray for the Christians in each place—for favor, protection, advancement. 

NSA, Ft. Meade MD

The National Security Administration is an intelligence agency responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications, as well as protecting government communications and information systems. This mission-critical agency resources government, intelligence and defense agencies as well as allies internationally. Pray especially for the “Joshuas and Calebs” within the NSA related to the war on terror and the Iranian crisis!

Social Security Administration, Woodlawn MD

The Social Security Administration is headquartered in Woodlawn MD. Responsible for overseeing nationwide social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits, and consists of 37% of government expenditure.

Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs MD

Andrews Air Force Base hosts the President’s jet, known as Air Force One, and oversees communications and logistics for the President, Vice President and other senior leaders. Fighter wings are also responsible for providing air security for the capital region.

Fort Detrick, Frederick MD

This campus is known historically as the center for the United States biological weapons program (1943-69). In 2001, Detrick made news as the source of the deadly anthrax spores mailed to US Senate offices and media outlets. Today the campus “supports a multigovernmental community that conducts biomedical research and development… as well as a bio-defense agency… “The National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research will be stationed there as well (source: Wikipedia).

National Emergency Training Center, DHS/FEMA, Emmitsburg MD

This secluded facility in Emmitsburg facilitates ongoing training for emergency management personnel and first responders nationwide. Headquarters of the Emergency
Management Institute and the National Fire

Fannie Mae Technology Center, Urbana MD

A pillar of the mortgage industry, Fannie Mae has a mission to secure funding for working families to own and keep homes. They have been at the center of controversy since the US mortgage industry began to shake, triggering a national and global recession in 2007.

NIST, Gaithersburg MD

The National Institute of Standards & Technology establishes government-sanctioned standards for various fields, including science, technology, manufacturing, medical etc. From measurement definition to cloud computing, they literally define and set the standards for all fields. 

Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Patuxent River MD

As their website states, the Naval Air Station is “where the future of naval aviation begins.” From research to development and acquisition of planes and aviation technology, this pioneering base truly sets the course for the future of air supremacy for the US Navy. 

FRIDAY
Region—Southern MD: Calvert, Charles, St. Marys Co
Sphere: Marriage/Family

Overall, the state of the family is positive in Maryland. With only 2.8 divorces per thousand people, our state is the 9th lowest in the nation for divorce. This is an incredible trend!

Surprisingly, Maryland is outranked by the District of Columbia, with only 2.1 divorces per thousand.

At present, Maryland has become a key battlefront to retain the Biblical definition of marriage. This year, Maryland governor Martin O’Malley aligned with same-sex marriage lobbyists to force the agenda to the forefront.

By four votes, the 2012 MD Legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage. That after the same legislature caused the proposal to be withdrawn in 2011 due to lack of support.

State of Reversal

One of the primary voices leading the charge to retain the Biblical definition of marriage is Bishop Harry Jackson, an African American pastor with congregations in Beltsville MD and Washington DC.

On March 4, 2004, Dutch Sheets prophesied that Maryland is a “state of reversal,” and that unrighteous legislation passed in other states would be halted here. The reversal of this unrighteous legislation would set a national trend. This word was given at Bishop Harry Jackson’s church, Hope Christian Fellowship.

In May 2012, Bishop Jackson began to form an interracial, interdenominational coalition of leaders to engage in this effort statewide and nationally.

Efforts are underway to bring the issue to referendum, thereby putting the issue before MD voters this November.

Prayer Points

Please pray for God to fully manifest His word to Maryland—that we would be a “state of reversal,” and that unrighteous legislation affecting our families would be stopped. Ask God to mobilize His army of value-based voters across all denominations, races, creeds! Ask the Lord to establish His “Rainbow Coalition” with blacks, Hispanics, whites, Asians, Native Americans all standing together for marriage and family values to be retained as public policy.

Pray for Maryland to continue to advance as a family-protected environment in every sphere of life. Take time to pray in the Spirit over issues dear to your heart in this regard. Pray for your own family members to know Christ and receive healing and a new beginning in Him. Pray for your neighbors, office workers, for those in authority over you!

SATURDAY
Region—Eastern Shore North: Cecil Co, Kent, Queen Annes, Talbot, Caroline
Sphere: Media

The theme of this Fast Forward guide is “setting the course for the future.” The new faces of media, including Facebook and Twitter are bringing such a prevailing influence that they have been recognized as primary game-changers in the 2008 elections!

Please consider that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were all journalists. They produced material to share with friends the greatest story that mankind has ever known.

In this age, God is calling forth media ministers to record His current work as never before. We call for the rise of prophetic journalism! Lord use cutting-edge media to again spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not just to provide information, but to penetrate hearts!

The twenty-first century has actually brought a balance to media that incorporates a growing awareness and honor of the body of Christ. One of the primary reasons for this is actually the rise of African American newscasters—many raised in positive environments afforded by their churches. This trend is easily perceived in Baltimore and DC local markets.

At the same time, national media has often so aligned with ungodly politics and social agendas that they have forsaken even the appearance of fair and balanced journalism. The newsworthiness of injustice and corruption are often evaluated according to agendas—at least until other outlets force the issues!

Pray for emerging leaders in media—print media, television, social media, entertainment. Pray for prophetic journalism to arise—with God empowering a new breed of truth seekers! Pray for the rise of media that aligns with value-based influencers.

SUNDAY
Region—Eastern Shore South: Dorchester, Wicomoco, Worcester, Somerset
Sphere: Ekklesia (governing church) The Ekklesia

Though this word has been translated as “church,” it actually means “governing body.” And it’s time for the church to rise up and fulfill her role in this regard!

Today we ask that you “lay hands” again on each region of Maryland through prayer. Ask the Lord to strengthen the body of Christ in each region—to grant a vision of the potential for transformation given by the Lord as we unite in strength and influence.

Pray for God to establish His Kingdom authority in each region of Maryland. Pray for churches to be strengthened, and for strong churches to arise with a governmental influence. Pray for leaders now endangering the advancement of God’s Kingdom through compromise to receive the Holy Spirit ministry needed for repentance and restoration.

We end this project on a day most of us celebrate as a “sabbath rest.” Lets continue to receive Holy Spirit refreshment, and watch and pray from this place of rest. Lets set a new course for our future! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Top State Issues

Please read the above “Week of Prayer” section for more information on important issues facing the state of Maryland.

Electoral Events

Since Maryland’s state electoral events have already passed, the next major event will be the General Election on November 6, 2012.

Candidates

Although the Maryland’s state elections have already finished, please click here to see a comprehensive list of Maryland’s candidates. Also make sure you look at their websites to know where they stand relating to biblical worldview and values.

Pending Bills

Maryland’s ballot features the Maryland In-State Tuition Referendum, which “calls for overturning legislation that guarantees in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.” (1)

Source:

BallotPedia. www.ballotpedia.org. Maryland In-State Tuition Referendum.

Current Elected Officials

To view a list of current elected officials in Maryland, please click here.

General Prayer Points for Maryland’s Current Elected Officials

-Pray protection, wisdom, and favor over all of Maryland’s elected officials as they govern the state. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

-Pray for the families of the elected officials in Maryland, and ask the Lord to strengthen their familial relationships. (Ephesians 4:2-3)

-For officials who aren’t Christ followers, pray that the Lord would reveal Himself and His love to them, and cause them to seek His face. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

-Pray for all possible corruption within the hearts of these political leaders to be exposed, with subsequent repentance and reconciliation to their Creator. (Romans 8:21)

-Pray for these leaders to see the value in biblical principles, and would lead from a biblical worldview. (Proverbs 28:2)

Submitted by,

Jon and Jolene Hamill
USRPN, Maryland State Coordinators

To download this prayer guide as a PDF document please click on the downloadable resource below.