On October 6, 2026, a former Ottumwa City Council member and current member of the Satanic Temple in Iowa opened in prayer with a satanic invocation over the city. While this has caused a stir and backlash, a pastor present at the meeting boldly stood up and spoke out against the invocation. Pastor Rick shared what happened at the meeting and how we can pray. This article isn’t meant to stir emotions; it is a rallying cry to the church. 

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Iowa IFA State Co-Leader and Pastor Rick Bick was sitting in the front row as former council member Matt Dalbey began the invocation to “our dark father” and prayed that they would “embrace the Luciferian impulse to eat of the tree of knowledge.” He prayed that people would stand against the authority that threatens personal sovereignty. Finally, he ended the invocation with “hail satan.” 

Pastor Rick said the room was in shock, and as soon as the invocation began and when the words “our dark father” were spoken, one council member walked out. After the invocation, the meeting continued with the Pledge of Allegiance. Immediately after, Rick interrupted the meeting to speak. “I knew I was speaking out of order, but I didn’t care. I stepped up, and the Mayor acknowledged me and let me speak. Council Member Galloway tried to stop me and said I was out of order; you know, it wasn’t time for citizen comments. And I said, I don’t care what the order is; he just placed a curse over our city, and we are not going to allow that!” he said. 

Councilwoman Galloway tried to stop Rick from speaking, but the Mayor took control of the meeting and let him speak. He said, “I’m running this council meeting, and we are stopping right now to deal with this. We are taking 30 seconds to pray.” This silent time was used to renounce and revoke the satanic curses that were placed over the city. 

“We have spent too much time praying for blessings on our cities, and praying for the light of the Lord to shine on our city, and for him to do that, pray to the ‘dark father.” No! One part that really stood out was when he said, ‘Let us embrace the Luciferian impulse to eat of the tree of knowledge.’ I said, wait a minute. Have you read Genesis? When he placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they could eat from every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Was his invocation an invitation to rebel against God? Is that what he was doing up there? “We had an impromptu prayer meeting in City Hall later that week, and eighteen pastors showed up. This has emboldened the community,” he shared. 

Pastor Rick said this whole ordeal has been eye-opening. “There is a big deal being made about all of this. I didn’t do this for recognition. I stood up because the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I had to speak up. I said, No! You are not cursing our city. 

He has set an example not just for Pastors, but for the church, of what it looks like to boldly confront evil when it is right before you. We were never commanded to be silent or passive. We are the light of Jesus to those in darkness, and a city on a hill never to be hidden, but to shine.

Pastor Rick shared how we can be praying about this. 

• Pray for wisdom for the Pastors and spiritual leaders on how to move forward from here. 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17). 

• Pray that not only Pastors and leaders, but also the church will stand up and speak out against evil.

You are the light of Christ to the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 AMP). 

• Pray for protection over the Pastors who are bold and will stand for truth even when it places a target on them. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1.)

Father, we thank you for Pastor Rick’s boldness and pray that what he did would encourage pastors and Christians nationwide to take a stand for Jesus. We pray for your protection over pastors who are unashamed to speak the truth, even when it costs them. According to Psalm 91, we pray that they will dwell safely in the shadow of the Almighty. Grant them wisdom and discernment to know what to do next, and bring unity among the church and its leaders, in Jesus name, amen. 

Were you encouraged by Pastor Rick’s boldness? Share this article to encourage others!

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Allexxandar/Getty Images via Canva Business.