Keep Our Local Leaders in Your Prayers for 2025
by Johnny Kincaid December 31, 2024
As we step into a brand-new year, 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect and look ahead with hope and purpose. Here in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, our leaders carry the weight of making decisions that affect us all. Their work is far from easy, and that’s why it’s so important for us to support them—not just with words, but with our prayers.
The Bible reminds us to pray for our leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, it says: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This is such a great reminder that praying for our leaders is not just a nice thing to do—it’s something we’re called to do.
In Evansville, Mayor Stephanie Terry enters her second year leading our city. We should be lifting her up in prayer daily. Let’s pray that God gives her strength, wisdom, and a clear path forward as she navigates the challenges of her office. Let’s also pray for her team and everyone who works alongside her to bring positive change to Evansville.
Our Vanderburgh County Commissioners—Mike Goebel, Justin Elpers, and Amy Canterbury—also have big responsibilities. From managing budgets to addressing public health and safety, their decisions have a direct impact on our everyday lives. Let’s pray that they are guided by wisdom, compassion, and a heart for serving everyone in our county.
We can’t forget our City Council and County Council members. These folks work hard to make sure all voices in our community are heard and that resources are used wisely. Whether they’re tackling local ordinances, supporting small businesses, or improving public services, their work matters. Let’s pray for their clarity, courage, and unity as they make decisions that affect us all.
And let’s take a moment to think about our police and fire departments. Police Chief Phillip Smith and Fire Chief Tony Knight lead teams that show up every single day to protect and serve us. Their jobs are tough, and the pressures they face are huge. Let’s pray for their safety and strength, and that they’re able to carry out their duties with fairness and compassion.
Education is such a big part of our community’s future, and Dr. David Smith, Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and the EVSC School Board, are leading that charge. Our teachers, staff, and school leaders are shaping the minds of the next generation. Let’s pray they feel supported, inspired, and equipped to meet the needs of every student.
We should also remember to pray for the judges and legal professionals in our community. Their decisions often have long-lasting impacts on people’s lives. Let’s ask God to give them wisdom, fairness, and compassion as they carry out their responsibilities.
And don’t forget about the many people working behind the scenes in city and county departments. From sanitation workers to social service providers, their efforts often go unnoticed, but they’re essential to keeping everything running smoothly. Let’s pray for their well-being and that they feel valued for the important work they do.
Prayer is such a powerful way to bring us together as a community. It helps us focus on what really matters and reminds us that, despite our differences, we all want what’s best for Evansville and Vanderburgh County. When we pray for our leaders, we’re not just asking for help—we’re also showing that we care and that we’re invested in the success of our community.
So, as we start this new year, let’s make a commitment to pray regularly for our leaders. Maybe you can set aside a few minutes each week to pray for them. Talk to your friends, family, or church groups about joining in. Imagine the impact if hundreds or even thousands of people across our community lifted up Mayor Stephanie Terry, our commissioners, council members, and all our local leaders in prayer. One group meets every Tuesday at noon at City Gate, 320 Eagle Crest in Evansville.
Let’s also be specific in our prayers. Pray for new job opportunities and strong economic growth so that everyone in Evansville and Vanderburgh County can thrive. Pray for safety in our neighborhoods and for solutions to challenges like homelessness and addiction. Pray for good health for all our residents and for access to the resources they need. Pray for unity among our leaders and within our community, so we can work together to achieve great things.
And remember, prayer is just the beginning. We can also show our support by staying engaged. Attend city and county meetings, share your thoughts in constructive ways, and encourage our leaders whenever you can. When we pair prayer with action, we can truly make a difference.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says it so well: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Let’s keep this verse in mind as we pray for our leaders in 2025. Let’s trust that God will guide them and help them make decisions that honor Him and benefit everyone in our community.
Here’s to a year of hope, progress, and unity in Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Together, through prayer and action, we can make 2025 a year to remember.
