More than 400 people gathered on the south plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol on Sun., Feb. 3 for the “Awaken Oklahoma” prayer rally. The gathering met as a new legislative session begins this week with a new gubernatorial administration and many newly elected members in congress.
Blake Gideon, pastor of Edmond, First and president of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO), was in attendance, as well as Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford, former program director for the summer weeks at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center.
Brian Baldwin, BGCO student evangelism and missions specialist, also was in attendance. “Thankful to see so many turn out to pray for our Oklahoma,” Baldwin said in a Facebook post.
Brian Baldwin, center back, and James Lankford, right, attended the “Awaken Oklahoma” prayer rally at the state Capitol.
Carla Hinton, religion editor for The Oklahoman, reported on the event, sharing comments from Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat who was one of the speakers at the prayer rally.
“It’s couldn’t be a better location to have this, Dear Lord, because session starts tomorrow,” Treat prayed. “We need you to fill us with your Holy Spirit, Dear Lord. We need you to give us direction, Dear Lord. We pray that everything that is done in this building and buildings throughout Oklahoma not only serve the people but serve you and your will.”
Hinton also reported on Gideon speaking at the event, who asked the crowd to pray for repentance and spiritual awakening. “It’s important that we seek the face of the only One that can bring change,” Gideon said.
