While Oklahoma has a number of oil fields, the state’s energy sector has come under hard times. Luckily, Governor Mary Fallin has a rock-solid plan that’s sure to get things booming again.
"Whereas Oklahoma is blessed with an abundance of oil and natural gas…[and] Christians acknowledge such natural resources are created by God," an executive proclamation from the Governor stated, "Christians are invited to thank God for the blessings created by the oil and natural gas industry and to seek His wisdom and ask for protections."
One might expect this kind of suggestion to be met with ridicule. Prayer is great, but hardly a solution to severe economic woes.
But local ministries are jumping onboard.
"The oil field is hurting right now," said Rev. Tom Beddow, coordinator of Oil Patch Chaplains with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoman.
"We’re asking churches all over Oklahoma to open their doors, put on a pot of coffee and pray for the oil field, and not only for the oil field but the state, because the economy of our state is so connected to the oil field."
Organizers have already hosted a number of gatherings, including a prayer breakfast, but the main event will take place on October 13. Church communities across the state will coordinate a simultaneous mass prayer event.
"This can be anything from a coffee-and-doughnuts fellowship and prayer time to a full-blown oil field prayer breakfast with all the trimmings," Beddow said.
"The thing we need right now more than finances is hope, and the only hope is from the Lord."
Could this unlikely marriage between faith and oil actually work? It didn’t turn out too well for the pastor in "There Will Be Blood."
