After an entertaining speech by wrestler Hulk Hogan, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, changed the tone with exhortations and a prayer. Graham has been energetic as part of former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump’s evangelical team. Graham reminded the audience that Trump, as the 45th president, stood by his word to people of faith and would do so again as the 47th president of the United States.
His words carry weight and his prayer is marked by seriousness and steadfastness. Therefore, I present it in its entirety, without comment.
Good evening. I have the hardest job and I have to follow Hulk Hogan. I stand here tonight as a private citizen who loves this country. I have been asked to say a few words and then pray and that is what we will do.
Last Saturday, President Trump had a near-death experience in Butler, Pennsylvania. No question about it. But God gave him life.
And when we go through those experiences, it changes us. It can make us question our lives and reevaluate our priorities. As it should. When President Trump rose from this platform, he rose with his fist raised. He showed America his unwavering determination to fight for her and this nation.
I cannot explain why God would save one life and allow another to be taken. I have no answer to that. But I do know one thing: God loves us and he wants us to be with him in heaven one day. And that happens through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
For as long as I have known President Trump, I have known him to be a man of his word. He has done things he has promised. When he told me and our country in 2016 that he would appoint conservative judges, he did it. In 2016, he said he would defend religious freedom. And you know what? He did it. In 2019, I was with him at the United Nations when the first president in the history of this country stood there to advocate for religious freedom around the world. When the American citizen and pastor Andrew Brunson was held in a Turkish prison on false charges, President Trump demanded his release and exerted economic pressure and sanctions until this happened.
I am grateful for what he has accomplished as the 45th President of the United States. And I know that as the 47th President, he will keep his word to the American people to make America great again.
I am honored to be asked to pray for Donald Trump tonight. I want us to pray, but I want us all to stand and call on the name of the heavenly God.
Regard:
It was an honor to be asked as a private citizen to say a few words and pray tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Republican National Convention. I prayed that we would come together and trust in God for the future of our nation. See … and #PRAY for our nation. pic.twitter.com/hDjNPUQaT2
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) July 19, 2024
Our Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight with grateful hearts. Thank you for saving the life of President Donald J. Trump. In his own words, it was you, and you alone, who saved him. We pray for the others who were injured Saturday. For the family who lost a loved one. Put your loving arms around them, comfort them, and let them feel your presence. We stand before you tonight. We say “thank you” for the provisions you have given to the United States of America. You have blessed this country more than any other country in the world. Unfortunately, as a nation, we have forgotten who is responsible for all the freedoms, rights, and prosperity we enjoy; it all comes from you.
Thank you very much.
Tonight, our nation is in trouble. We are divided politically, racially, and economically, and millions of people are seeking refuge and hope in our parched and thirsty land. You are the only one who can solve the complexity of the problems we face today. We pray for President Trump, that you will give him wisdom, strength, and a clear vision for the future of this nation and the task ahead. Continue to protect him from his enemies. I pray that you will surround him with men and women who will give him good counsel and guidance. We pray for Melania, for Barron, and for all of President Trump’s children and grandchildren.
We pray for Senator JD Vance, his wife Usha, and their youthful family. We are grateful for his forceful commitment to protecting life. As your word commands, we also pray for our nation’s leaders. Whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we know that all authority comes from you.
You are a great God. And we ask that, if it is your will, you would make America great again. We ask that you would unite our hearts, bring us together, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. And we pray this in the mighty name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Amen.
