President Hosts National Day of Prayer at White House, Says Violence Against People of Faith ‘Must End Now’
President Trump and First Lady Melania hosted a National Day of Prayer dinner at the White House Wednesday evening. Trump addressed the recent terror events and the importance of prayer for guidance. Close to 100 people attended the event, including Stream founder James Robison.
Trump welcomed people of many faiths. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Hindus were present. “Tonight we break bread together united by our love of God, and we renew our resolve to protect the sacred freedom of religion — all of us.”
Violence Against People of Faith
He also spoke about recent violent events. “All of us in this room send our love and prayers to the Jewish Americans wounded at the Chabad of Poway shooting in California, and our hearts break for the life of Laurie Gilbert-Kaye who was so wickedly taken from us.”
He talked about the deaths of Christians in Sri Lanka and the Muslims killed in New Zealand. “We mourn for the Christians murdered in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday and grieve for the Muslims murdered at their mosques in New Zealand. Here at home, we also remember the three historically black churches burned recently in Louisiana and the horrific shooting last year at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg.”
“Violence and terrorism against people of all faiths must end and it must end now.”
The president also stressed the importance of prayer in the United States. “We will be a nation that believes forever and we certainly believe more than anyone in the power of prayer,” he added. “It’s the most powerful thing there is.”
Presidential Proclamation
Trump issued a presidential proclamation Tuesday. “Today, on this National Day of Prayer, we once again come together to give thanks to Almighty God for the bountiful blessings He has bestowed on our great Nation and to ask for His unfailing counsel. We also acknowledge our dependence on God’s love to guide our families, communities, and our country away from harm and toward abundance and peace.”
Attendees at the National Day of Prayer dinner included James Robison, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, James and Shirley Dobson, Jentzen Franklin, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Franklin Graham, Mike Huckabee, Robert Jeffress, Alveda King, Johnnie Moore, Ralph Reed, and Paula White.
