U.S. President Donald Trump last Thursday hosted a group of evangelical Christian leaders in the Oval Office to pray for him and for the United States as the country wages war against Iran.
The gathering, organized by White House Faith Advisor Pastor Paula White-Cain and other members of the Faith Office, brought several prominent evangelical voices into the heart of the White House at a moment of rising geopolitical tension. Attendees included megachurch pastors Greg Laurie and Jentezen Franklin, as well as evangelical leader and former executive chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Johnnie Moore.
“Leadership at the highest level ultimately requires dependence upon God, wisdom beyond human understanding, and the covering of prayer,” said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who also attended the meeting.
Prayer gatherings such as this have become a regular feature of Trump’s presidency during both his first and second terms. This latest meeting came as the United States carries out Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime. According to Trump, the goal of the campaign is both to bring about regime change and to eradicate Iran’s ballistic and nuclear missile capabilities.
Those gathered prayed for divine guidance and protection as the administration navigates the ongoing crisis. They also prayed for the president himself, the country, and the soldiers serving on the front lines.
In videos shared on social media, pastors and other leaders can be seen standing around the president, who was seated behind the Resolute Desk. Several placed their hands on his arms and shoulders as the prayer began.
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US President Donald Trump gathers evangelical leaders in Oval Office prayer as US war with Iran escalates
(Photo: White House/Patrick Witty)
"We are honoured to come before your presence today, lifting up our president," the prayer began. "We pray for your continued blessing and favour to rest upon him. We pray for wisdom from heaven to guide his heart and mind, and that you will guide him in these challenging times we're facing today.”
The prayer continued, “Father, we pray you'll continue to give our president the strength that he needs to lead our great nation. As we come back to one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Rodriguez later described the meeting as a “powerful moment of spiritual unity and intercession.”
He added that “even in the midst of global conflict and immense responsibility, the Oval Office was opened for prayer. This moment served as a reminder that faith still has a place in the highest rooms of leadership, and that prayer remains one of the most powerful acts we can offer on behalf of our nation.”