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Evangelist Franklin Graham led attendees in prayer for President Donald Trump during the last night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday.
Graham, son of renowned evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, also shared brief remarks ahead of his invocation.
“I cannot explain why God would save one life and allow another one to be taken. I don’t have the answer for that,” he said ahead of his prayer.
“I’m grateful and thankful for what he did 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 once again,” Graham added.
Graham’s prayer noted concern for the nation, offering intercession for Trump and other leaders. His brief message focused on a clear need for a relationship with God, calling listeners to his father’s enduring message of faith in Jesus.
“As we come tonight, our country is facing trouble, tens of thousands are in the path of a deadly storm, the pandemic has gripped millions of hearts with fear, we are divided, we have witnessed injustice, anger and despair have flowed into the streets. We need your help, we need to hear your voice at this crucial hour,” Graham prayed.
“We ask that you would unite our hearts, to be one nation under God, for you are our only hope. We declare today our total dependence upon you and our need of repentance as a people,” he continued.
Graham asked God to unite the nation, calling out for help “for the leaders of our nation, whether they’re Republican, Democrat or Independent.”
He confessed, “Our nation is in trouble. We’re divided politically, racially, economically, with millions of people seeking refuge and hope in our dry and thirsty land, you’re the only one who can fix the complexity of the problems that we face today.”
Graham serves as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, both based in North Carolina.
The evangelical leader has been a long-time friend of Trump. In a social media post following his prayer, Graham also called for “trust in God.”
“It was an honor to be asked to come as a private citizen, say a few words, and pray this evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Republican National Convention. I prayed that we would come together and trust in God for our nation’s future. Watch… and #PRAYR for our nation,” he wrote.
