Pray Anson Prayer Guide

April 2023

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“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask,

it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together

in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

 

This prayer guide is designed to be used each week during the month of April as an aid in

praying for our county. Please use it in any way that will help you to pray for the spiritual and physical needs of our county. Share a copy with a friend!  Additional copies can be found on the Anson Association Website: www.ansonbaptist.org.

 

Week 1:

Lost and Unchurched. “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” saved. (Romans 10:1)

 

According to a recent Gallup Poll, 53% of Americans are not a member of anyone’s church. While the issue of salvation is much larger than church membership (especially when you consider other religions and cults), let’s use that as an indicator to give us a glimpse into the spiritual need and lostness of the residents of our county.  The 2020 census estimates the population of Anson County to be 22,055. 53% of that number would be 11,689. Assuming that those who are not a member of a church are not Christians, then over half of our population, 11,689 are lost and headed to hell because of their lack of faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

 

Who are these people?  They are our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We grew up and went to school with them. We know many of them personally by name and care very deeply for them. Will you spend time this week praying for their salvation?  Will you pray for those who have wondered from the faith to come back to Jesus?  Will you ask God to help you to have the courage to invite them to church, to share with them how and why you became a Christian. Will you share the plan of salvation with them using the Bible, a tract or a web-based resource?

 

There are an estimated 65 – 80 churches in Anson County. Statistics tell us that 9 out of 10 churches in America are plateaued or declining. Will you pray for the churches in our county to preach the Bible, to proclaim the good news of the gospel, to love the lost more than they love themselves and to die to their preferences so that they might better reach the lost who are all around them?

 

Week 2:

A. Schools. [P]raying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—  (Ephesians 6:18)

• Pray for our schools & their principles: Ansonville Elementary, Michael Vetter; Lilesville Elementary, Becky Flake; Morven Elementary, Dionnya Pratt; Peachland-Polkton Elementary; Travis Steagall; Wadesboro Elementary, Daniel Burrows; Wadesboro Primary, Arthur Jackson; Anson Middle School, Darrell Potts; Anson Early College, Carri Decker; Anson High, Chris Stinson

• Pray for our teachers and staff

• Pray for our students

• Pray for our leaders in the central office. Superintendent: Howard McLean

• School Board: George Truman (Chair),  Frank Liles (Vice Chair), Carol Ann Gibson, Mike Turner, Beulah Pratt, Bobbie Little, Lisa Davis, Marilynn Bennett and Judy Little

• South Piedmont Community College staff and students

 

B. First responders. “…[T]hrough love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) 

• Anson County Sheriff Scott Howell & Deputies

• Town police

• Fire Departments

• Rescue Squads

• Anson County Emergency Management

 

Week 3:

A. County Leaders.  “… I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

 

• Anson County Board of Directors: JD Bricken (chair), Robert Mims (vice Chairman), Jarvis T. Woodburn Lawrence Gatewood, Harold C. Smith, Jamie Caudle, Priscilla Little.

• County Department leaders and workers

• Town leaders and workers

 

B. Business & Jobs.  “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

 

These are trying time for most people, and many businesses are struggling too. Covid and soaring prices have taken a toll on our local businesses too. There are an estimated 388 businesses in our county with a pay roll of some 165 million dollars.

• Pray for our business owners, small and large.

• Pray for a stable economy and business environment so that businesses and their employees can prosper.

• Pray for wisdom for our county leaders to be able to attract more businesses and jobs to our county.

• Pray for the salvation of business leaders and their workers

• Pray that businesses will take good care of their employees.

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Week 4:

A. Crime.  “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. (Matt 5:44)

 

According to crimegrade.org, “The rate of crime in Anson County is 54.76 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.” “Anson County is in the 16th percentile for safety, meaning 84% of counties are safer and 16% of counties are more dangerous.”

• Pray for the souls of those who commit crimes

• Pray that those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol would be saved and set free from their addictions.

• Pray that we can find ways to redeem those who are guilty of crime for Christ.

• Pray for the victims of crime

 

B. Social needs. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jeremiah 29:7)

 

The further our nation moves away from God, the greater the social needs grow among us. Rebellion and disobedience to God brings more sin and suffering.

• Poverty. The 2020 census found that 21.4% of Anson County lives in poverty. That means that 1 out of 5 people in our county live in poverty.  Pray for God’s provision for the poor and for them to receive the right kind of help that will lift them out of poverty.

• Pray about the needs of: mental health, broken families, divorce, domestic violence, single parent families, affordable housing, drug abuse, human trafficking

• Pray for the Christian service organizations that minister to the needy in our county: Anson Crisis, Feed My Lambs, Burnsville Learning Center, Anson County Domestic Violence Coalition

• Pray for secular service organizations: Anson County Social Services, Anson County Health Department, Sandhill’s Community Action Program

 

C. Pray for Love Anson, April 29th! 

• Pray for our churches to have a burden to reach and serve their communities with God’s Love.

• Pray that they will use Love Anson to serve their community and not their own membership

• Pray for vision and creativity in the ways that they choose to reach out, serve and witness.

• Pray that some will be saved during this special time of ministry and service

• Pray that God will be glorified in everything that is done!