A testimony from IFA Georgia.

Last December, Georgia Baptist Mission Public Affairs Representative Mike Griffin invited intercessors to the state Capitol. I joined 10 other participants eager to become better informed about what happens at the Capitol and to pray for those making public policy decisions.

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Griffin stressed the educational component, saying, “We cannot pray effectively for people if we don’t know who they are or for issues that we don’t know anything about.”

Throughout the tour of the four floors of the Capitol, we learned about our state leaders and explored the issues they face. Our public affairs representative led us from the governor’s office to the legislative offices and committee rooms to the House and Senate chambers, describing what goes on in each area of the building.

As we stopped, we had a time of prayer for Georgia’s political leaders preparing for the legislative session to begin in January.

One of the legislators we met emphasized the power and influence of pastors and lobbyists. This legislator encouraged pastors to seek out their legislators because a pastor’s influence is greater than a single individual since they represent the values of a whole group of people. Lobbyists need our prayers as well because they have significant leverage.

Other highlights of the tour included viewing the Foundations of American Law and Government display of nine framed documents: The Mayflower Compact, the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national motto “In God We Trust,” the Preamble to the Georgia Constitution, the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, and a description of the image of Lady Justice.

The tour of the Capitol encouraged us to have our churches display these documents to teach the congregation about America’s true foundation. A non-profit organization called Ten Commandments Georgia equips Georgians with resources to share about our godly heritage.

Entering the press conference area, we prayed that the truth would be spoken from that place. We asked God to prompt more Christians with a biblical worldview to enter the profession of journalism. Inside the Judiciary Committee Room, where bills are selected for consideration, we prayed that the The Religious Freedom Restoration Act would be passed into law.

While we visited many legislative offices, the highlight was to arrive at the executive floor on the second level with the offices of Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Governor Kemp was absent that day, but we prayed inside his office. We had the opportunity to pray with Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who commented that we should pray for many more mature believers to take office. The Lord impressed on us what a blessing it would be for prayer warriors to join the Governor’s staff, and we prayed that God would bring the Governor employees with a heart for intercession.

As the House wrapped up for recess, we sat in the gallery, where citizens come to observe legislators in session, and we watched a final session. May more of our churches and pastors wake up to understand what it really means to be “salt and light” in our halls of government during these desperate times.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

What do you think of this article? Have you ever toured your own state’s Capitol? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

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