Oklahoma Governor Calls For Day of Prayer to Stop Record Heatwave

A major heat wave has taken the nation by storm. As a result, officials in 17 states have issued citizen warnings and advisories. With temperatures reaching tripple digits in some areas, the extreme conditions are dangerous to say the least. Last week, in a move to end the scorching heat, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallins asked citizens to join together in prayer. Her hope? To see God intervene to change the unbearable weather pattern.

Fallins issued a news release last week asking Oklahomans to pray for rain. She wrote:

"I encourage Oklahomans of all faiths to join me this Sunday in offering their prayers for rain. For the safety of our firefighters and our communities and the well-being of our crops and livestock, this state needs the current drought to come to an end. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing, and I would ask every Oklahoman to look to a greater power this weekend and ask for rain."

CBS News sheds light on just how intense the weather has been:

For 47 straight days, temperatures in Oklahoma City have topped 90 degrees. There has only been one day below 100 so far this month, and it's expected to top the century mark through at least next Friday.

This summer's searing heat is setting new records. This month alone high temperatures have been tied or broken over 800 times.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight to the treacherous heat. Below, see FOX23.com's 7-day forecast for Tulsa, Oklahoma:

According to CBS News, Fallins also said, "I think if we have a lot of people praying, it moves the heart of God." In addition to issuing her call for prayer, the governor also banned outdoor burning for the western portion of the state. Extreme drought conditions led to this decision, as wildfires burden firefighters and add insult to injury.

Some, of course, are criticizing Fallins, claiming that her call breaches the line separating church and state. Others, though, believe that she's perfectly in line in calling for statewide prayer. One Oklahoman named Holly Carroll supports Fallins' call and sums it up as follows: "It's the bible belt that's what we do, we pray."

Now, we'll have to wait and see if the ongoing prayers bring some relief to the region.