Jan. 28 was the opening day of the spring legislative session in Springfield. In the Capitol rotunda, Illinois State Representative Dave Severin (R-Marion) was joined by some fellow lawmakers and concerned Christians to kick off Pray for Springfield.
Pray for Springfield is a non-denominational, non-partisan effort to bring Christians in Illinois to the House gallery to pray while lawmakers are in session. Severin is the idea’s developer and organizer.
“My only agenda is for us to make good decisions,” he told the Illinois Baptist. “It’s proven that we as Republicans and Democrats are in a mess. We need to make good decisions. Let’s come together and ask for help from a higher power—that’s God.
“The first day back in session we’re kicking it off with God and there’s not a better day to do it.”
Speaking to those assembled for a rally before the start of the session, Severin asked, “You know you call the fire department when the house is on fire? You know who the fire department is?” he asked pointing to the assembly. “It’s you, you are the fire department!
Many in the excited crowd gave shouts of encouragement as Severin continued to speak. “You know who is going to turn this state around? It’s not Republicans. It’s not Democrats. It’s you guys, it’s your faith and your trust in the Lord!”
“This state needs hope,” Severin declared. “I own a business and when I call vendors in other states, they say there’s no hope for Illinois. There is hope for Illinois. That hope is in Jesus!”
Following the rally, church members went to the House gallery to pray, but the session only lasted a few minutes. However, House members and the state were prayed for multiple times at the earlier event.
Go to Facebook.com/prayforspringfield to learn more and to sign up to bring a group from your church to pray in the House gallery.