Evangelist Franklin Graham and other faith leaders offered prayers at Monday's inauguration ceremony, asking for God's guidance, wisdom and protection as President Donald Trump leads the country for the next four years. Mr. Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered the opening prayer along with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
“We pray for President Trump. May you watch over him, protect him, guide him and guide him,” Graham prayed. “Give him your wisdom from your high throne. We ask that you bless him and that our nation may be blessed through him.”
Graham also prayed for First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and second daughter Usha Vance.
Graham cited Vance's words, saying, “May he be a strength to President Trump, to stand next to him and lift up his arms like Aaron lifted up Moses' arms in the midst of battle.” I prayed. “The prophet Samuel reminded the people that it was you who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt. And he said, 'Come, stop to reason with you before the Lord. please”.”
“So, Father, we pause at this moment to remember the great things you have done for this country. We thank You for the protections, blessings, and freedoms we enjoy. “And may our hearts lean to your voice, that if we turn our backs on you, America can never be great again.” We pray all this in the name of the King of Kings. Lord of Lords, Your Son, my Savior and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. ”
Before the prayer, Mr. Graham turned to Mr. Trump and said, “Mr. President, I'm sure there have been some pretty dark times over the last four years, but look at what God has done for us.'' Praise God and give to Him “glory.” “
I was honored to be able to deliver a congratulatory address in front of the President at our country's 60th presidential inauguration ceremony. @realDonaldTrump and vice president @JDVance I was sworn in today. I encouraged those in attendance to pause and remember the great things God has done for this… pic.twitter.com/qcSD6s6Z4I
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 20, 2025
Dolan also prayed for wisdom for Trump.
“We, the blessed people of this one nation under God, humbled by our claim to trust in God, come together on this very Inauguration Day to honor our President, Donald J. Trump. , his family, his advisors, his Cabinet, and his aspirations. May the Lord bless his Vice President, Joseph Biden, and the men and women in uniform this New Year, this Inauguration Day. “Hope is kindled for each other,” Dolan prayed.
Dolan mentioned King Solomon.
“God of our fathers, in your wisdom you have ordained man to rule over your creation, to rule with holiness and righteousness, and to carry out justice with integrity,” Dolan prayed. Ta. “Give wisdom to our leader. He is your servant and knows his own weakness and the brevity of life. If the wisdom that does not come from you must be with him, Please God, fix all her faults so that she may know your plans. . You are God who lives and reigns forever. ”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Catholic archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, will lead the opening prayer at President Donald Trump's inauguration. pic.twitter.com/eXWFI1ZG3R
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) January 20, 2025
Three faith leaders offered closing prayers. One of them, Detroit pastor Lorenzo Sewell, quoted Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech as part of his prayer, which drew loud applause and went viral on social media. Ta. This year's inauguration took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Mr. Sewell is the senior pastor of 180 Churches.
“I'm so grateful to you for giving our 45th president and now our 47th president a militarized miracle,” Sewell said, referring to the assassination attempt on President Trump.
“I pray that you will use the president to help us live in a country where we are not judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character,” Sewell said.
“Let freedom ring from the top of New Hampshire’s vast hills,” Sewell said. “Let freedom ring from the majestic mountains of New York. From the towering Alleghenies of Pennsylvania, let freedom ring. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains of Colorado, let freedom ring. From the curvaceous hills of California. But God, we don't just let freedom ring from Stone Mountain in Georgia, we let it ring from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, Mississippi. Nosu From every hill, from every molehill, from every state, let freedom ring. As we ring the bell of freedom, in every city, in every village, in every hamlet, we children, black and white, Protestant It will hasten the day when Catholics, Jews and Gentiles alike, can sing, in the sense of the old Negro spiritual, “I'm free at last, I'm free at last, thank you, God Almighty.'' We are finally free.'
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell's prayer at President Donald Trump's inauguration was powerful. pic.twitter.com/wxUKQJXPKO
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 20, 2025
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/staff
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 20, 2025.
