Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Melania Trump National Prayer Day Speech Transcript

Mike Pence: (00:00) ... Continue this great tradition. It's such a timeless [inaudible 00:00:05], though it is not the first time our president has called on the nation during our present national crisis to pray. It was in March of this year, the president asked the American people to join, in his words, in a day of prayer for all people, all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and to pray for God's healing hand to be placed on the people of our nation. And I can tell you that your first family and our family have been inspired every day to see the way that the American people have taken up that call, not just to pray, but to act in the midst of this national crisis. Mike Pence: (01:03) We've seen people of every creed in this country, in every city and every state step forward to put feed on their faith with countless acts of kindness and generosity to those in need. The Bible says, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." And neither have the compassions or the generosity of the American people failed in this hour. So, on this national day of prayer, we count it a privilege to simply say to the American people, thank you for your prayers and thank you for all you have done to see your family, your friends, your neighbors, and even strangers through these unprecedented times. But today, with the deepest respect and a grateful heart, we urge you to be persistent in prayer. On this national day of prayer, pray for the families who've lost loved ones and pray for those who at this very hour are struggling with the severest consequences of the coronavirus. Mike Pence: (02:48) Pray for our doctors and nurses and healthcare workers who have cared for our families as if they were their own, and have not just provided the health care that any one of us would want for a loved one, but in so many cases our doctors and nurses and healthcare workers and... Literally taken the place of family and loved ones for patients enduring the isolation of the coronavirus. Pray for the police, firefighters, and first responders, who without regard to their personal safety have rendered care and sped those impacted by this dread virus to healing hands. And as we gather today and remember these families and these heroes and all of those who have labored every day to protect our nation during these challenging times, let's also remember to pray for all of the men and women who defend this nation in good times and bad. Who wear the uniform of the United States, who are standing opposed at this hour in far flung places around the world, who are deploying as we speak to defend this great nation. Let's remember them as well. Mike Pence: (04:37) And on this national day of prayer, as we pray for the American people, for every American of every creed, let's do so with faith in those ancient words that Americans have clung to throughout our history. That if his people who are called by his name will humble themselves and pray, let's know that he'll do like he's always done throughout every challenging hour in the history of this nation. He'll hear from heaven and he'll heal this land. So, thank you, God bless you and God bless America. Speaker 1: (05:44) In my own life, in times of despair and anxiety, I've cherished Psalm 46:10, which says, "Be still and know that he is God." And I've also gotten a lot of comfort from Psalm 62:8, "Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." Speaker 2: (07:08) Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and Mrs. Trump. Melania Trump: (07:36) On this national day of prayer, let's us take a moment to extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have lost their loved ones to COVID-19. Let us pray for the ill, the ones who are suffering and those serving on the front lines. When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide that we may find serenity in your presence and purpose in doing your will. Amen. Donald Trump: (08:46) Thank you very much. Please sit. Thank you, be seated please. And Melania, thank you very much. On the second anniversary of the Be Best initiative, you've done a fantastic job and everybody appreciates it, but I want to... Thank you, and I want to thank you on behalf of the entire nation for all that you do for America's children and on fighting the drug addiction problem that we have in this country. It's all over the world, but I want to thank you very much. Great job. You do your work so hard. On this national day of prayer, America is engaged in a fierce battle against a very terrible disease. Throughout our history, in times of challenge, our people have always called upon the gift of faith, the blessing of belief, the power of prayer and the eternal glory of God. I ask all Americans to join their voices and their hearts in spiritual union as we ask our Lord in heaven for strength and solace, for courage and comfort, for hope and healing, for recovery and for renewal. Donald Trump: (09:55) In recent days and weeks, our country has endured a grave hardship. We pray for every family stricken with grief and devastated with a tragic loss. We pray for the doctors, the nurses and first responders waging war against the invisible enemy. We pray for the scientists' and researchers' pioneer treatments, that they find therapies and vaccines and that they find them soon. We pray for the frontline workers keeping our nation fed, nourished and safe and secure. May God watch over them all. We're honored to have with us today our amazing vice president Mike Pence and his wonderful wife, Karen. Great friends of our nation and great friends of mine and Melania's, and somebody who's done an incredible job not only as vice president but as heading the task force which has come up with so many solutions and ideas and things that we didn't even think about two months ago. Donald Trump: (11:05) We're also profoundly grateful to be joined by many faith leaders who are helping to care for our neighbors in their hour of need. Thank you all for providing meals to families, medical supplies to hospitals, and for providing spiritual strength and encouragement to your communities. Very important people, very respected people, and very much loved people. In every part of our country, we've seen grace of God through the love and devotion of our fellow citizens as scripture assures us the Lord your God is not your midst, a mighty one who will save. And I think it's so true. Think of that, the Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. We have been reminded once again- Donald Trump: (12:03) ... who will save. We have been reminded once again that God has blessed our land with heroes of faith. Here with us is Brittany Akinsola from Charlotte, North Carolina. Brittany is a nurse, a pastor, a wife, a mother. When she saw the dire situation in New York City, she volunteered to work at Samaritan's Purse Field Hospital in Central Park. There she worked 13-hour shifts in the intensive care unit for weeks praying for each patient while giving them the very best care. As Brittany said, "We just keep sharing the love of Christ through our gifts of nursing." Donald Trump: (12:42) Brittany, America's forever indebted to you and the incredible job you have done. We very much appreciate it, Brittany. Please come up. Please come up, Brittany, and say a few words. Thank you. Brittany Akinsola: (12:58) Thank you so much, Mr. President. It has been a great honor and privilege to be able to travel around the world with Samaritan's Purse and help people in their time of crisis and need. I most recently had the opportunity to go to New York City as you shared. I will tell you that just to be able to combine both my skills of nursing and the gifting of pastoring at such a time as this in our nation and to serve the people of New York City was truly one of the greatest honors of my life. Brittany Akinsola: (13:28) I know that I am one of many frontline workers that are serving our country right now. To all of my colleagues at Samaritan's Purse and to everyone that is doing such an incredible job sharing their gifts to help those in need, I just want to say thank you so much. Thank you for being just a light of hope in a time that is such a hopeless time for so many people. Brittany Akinsola: (13:49) I would love to just leave you with a scripture that has helped me so much through this time. It's Galatians 6:9. What it says is, "Let us not become weary of doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The harvest that I'm believing for our country is one of restoration and hope. I am believing for healing in the name of Jesus. I am believing that unity will thrive during this time. Thank you so much. God bless you all. Donald Trump: (14:17) Brittany, that's great. Wow. Thank you very much. Brittany, no notes, no nothing. You know your stuff, don't you? Thank you very much. A fantastic person. Also with us is Mario Salerno, a landlord, auto shop owner in Brooklyn. Last month, Mario waived rent for all 200 of his tenants. I got to see you on television actually. I said, "What kind of a landlord is that?" That's a great landlord, right? That's very nice. I got to see that. He wanted to make sure that they could put food on the table and he wanted to take care of their families. Even though he's losing a lot of income, which he could always use. We can always use it. Right, Mario? But that was a big thing. Mario says, "That's irrelevant compared to the value of human life." Fantastic thing, Mario. Donald Trump: (15:12) He also believes he has two callings in this wonderful world, usually wonderful world. We live in a world that's very complex. To do good to people and to keep his faith. As Mario puts it, "Faith is a lot more powerful than fear." That's true. Mario, if you would, would you please step up and say a few words? Thank you very much. Mario Salerno: (15:39) Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'm honored on this special Day of Prayer. I have nothing written. I just want to thank the good Lord. Every morning when I wake up, 3:30 in the morning, get ready, put my feet, I pray. I ask the good Lord, "Please, conquer this vicious virus. It's making us all stumble." Besides me praying to the good Lord, I pray for our dear President. I tell God, "Please give him the strength and the power, because he's not only our leader of the great United States, the whole world is following this gentleman." I can't say anything else, but let's please pray for this wonderful man. Faith before fear. Mr. President, I'm honored to be here. I pray for you every day. God bless America. God bless you, Mr. President. Thank you. Donald Trump: (16:37) Wow, that's so great. Thank you, Mario. That's really nice. I appreciate it. By the way, I love your tie, but I love your words even more. Thank you very much. Donald Trump: (16:50) In every age and in every generation, the prayers of our people and the faith of our families has willed us on to victory. No obstacle, no enemy and no danger can overcome the mighty spirit and soul of our nation. In every battle against poverty, against disease, against tyranny and evil, we have placed our loyalty in each other and our trust in God and we have prevailed. We will continue to prevail. We will prevail again. We will vanquish the virus. We will defeat the enemy. We will not fail. Once more, we call upon our creator to guide us through these very complex steps, protect our people, rebuild our communities and restore a beloved nation to even greater heights. We will never forget, however, those that have been lost. Those incredible souls and the families of those souls that are going through so much, we will never forget you. We will be there for you. May God continue to strengthen our hearts and sustain ourselves. May God continue to shed his divine grace upon this land. May God forever bless the United States of America. Donald Trump: (18:12) Now, I'd like to ask the faith leaders of our country, some of the most important of our faith leaders, people respected by everybody, to say a few words. Please, Sister Anita Martinez, if you would perhaps begin? Sister, thank you very much. Sister Anita Martinez: (18:38) Thank you, Mr. President. Sister Anita Martinez: (18:44) In the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy spirit, amen. Dear heavenly father, I ask you to grant us in this moment to be in your most holy presence in the presence of our mother Mary, Saint Joseph, our protector and guide, for all the angels and of all the saints. I ask you to please grant us the grace to be one in body and in spirit, all of your children of the earth. Sister Anita Martinez: (19:13) Please be with us so that with one voice, with the voice of the church, we may pray together to our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus, son of God, you were sent by the father to bear our weakness. Be with us in this time of crisis. Merciful savior, heal and comfort the sick so that with health restored they may give you praise. Divine physician, accompany our caregivers so that serving you with patience, they may heal wisely. Sister Anita Martinez: (19:45) Eternal wisdom, guide our leaders so that seeking remedies they may follow your light. Christ the anointed, protect us in body and spirit so that freed from harm we may be delivered from all affliction. Beloved son of the father, grant us the grace to grow in love for him that we may love the Lord our God with all of our heart, with all of our mind and with all of our strength. You who live and reign in the unity of God, the father with the holy spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Sister Anita Martinez: (20:25) We thank you, father for this moment. We thank you for your love for us. We ask you in the name of Christ our Lord to bless us with his most precious blood, to bless our nation, to bless our world in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy spirit. Amen. Donald Trump: (20:50) Thank you, Sister very much. Thank you. That's beautiful. Pujari Harish Brahmbhatt. Pujari Harish Brahmbhatt: (20:57) Thank you, Mr. President. In these troubled times of COVID-19, social distancing and the lockdown, it's not unusual for people to feel anxious or not at peace. The Shanti path of the peace prayer is a prayer that does not seek worldly riches, success, fame, nor is it a prayer for any desire for heaven. It is a beautiful Hindu prayer for peace, Shanti. It's a Vedic prayer derived from the Ayurved. The prayer goes [foreign language 00:09: 54]. Pujari Harish Brahmbhatt: (22:17) The prayer translates into onto the heavens be peace. Onto the sky and earth be peace. Peace be onto the water. Onto the herbs and trees be peace. Onto all the crops be peace. Onto Brahma and unto all be peace. May we realize that peace. Om, peace, peace, peace. Thank you. Donald Trump: (22:41) Thank you very much. Thank you. Would Bishop Dwight Green please come up? Thank you very much. Bishop Dwight Green: (22:57) Good afternoon to the President, Vice President and all those that are assembled today at the National Day of Prayer. Let us pray. To the eternal sovereign God of creation, you have summoned your people once again to prayer. As the presiding Bishop of the Church of God and Christ and the membership of our organization around the world, has for the last 12 weeks been joined together interceding for the deliverance of our nation and our world. Bishop Dwight Green: (23:43) That God would deliver us from the coronavirus pandemic and all other debilitating plagues present in our world. We believe that the suffering and the loss of life, which continues to threaten the social ... Bishop Dwight Green: (24:03) Life, which continues to threaten the social, economic and geopolitical balance of our country can be curtail when the people of God pray. You said in Psalms 107, "He will sin his word to heal and deliver us from destruction." Our systems are broken, no longer trusted nor effective because we have strayed from your commandments, and our people are wounded, ailing, bewildered, frustrated by empty promises. We need you to transform us to the likeness of your son, Jesus the Christ. We need your word of healing that will restore confidence in our justice system, that will reflect fairness and provide rehabilitation for redeemable offenders. We need your word to heal, that promise quality early childhood education and equitable distribution of opportunities for wealth building for blacks, browns, and disadvantaged whites. We need your word of healing that will speak to the physical, emotional, and spiritual deficiencies of our nation, your word that will cause us to recognize we are all God's children and he has called us to love and good works. Bishop Dwight Green: (25:36) You declared a house divided against itself will self-destruct. So Father, have mercy on us as we repent today, for our miscarriage of justice. I repent of all offenses and disobedience of our nation to your commandments, and humbly seek your forgiveness and pray for mercy that you will deliver us from this evil affliction of the coronavirus. And grant to our President, Mr. Trump, the Vice President, Congress and the religious leaders of our nation, your divine insight to navigate this pandemic in the name of Jesus Christ the savior, and we prayed divine comfort for the grieving families of those that have been lost and those that are yet struggling with the affliction inflicted by this virus. We pray your comfort, your deliverance, and your peace. In Jesus name, thank God. Amen. Donald Trump: (26:51) Thank you, Bishop, very much. Thank you. Pastor Paula White, please come up. Thank you, Paula. Paula White: (27:03) What an honor to be here with you, President and First Lady, Vice President, Second Lady. It's a beautiful day to lift up our Lord and savior. He is a certain God in uncertain times and the Bible says if two or three of us agree as touching anything, it will be done. Job 22:28 says, "If you decree a thing and declare a thing, it will be established." So God, we come in agreement with your word and with your name, the name of Jesus. Psalm 40:17 says, "You are my help and my deliver. Do not delay, oh God." I declare no more delays to the deliverance of COVID-19, no more delays to healing and a vaccination, no more delays to restoration of this great nation, the United States of America. For Psalm 71:2 says, "In your righteousness, deliver us and rescue us. Incline your ear and save us." Paula White: (27:55) Psalm 107 says, "You deliver us out of distress and out of destruction." Your word will not return void according to Isaiah 55:11, so I declare your word. I declare divine intervention and supernatural turnaround. You will restore this land according to Psalm 118:25, save our nation, oh Lord, and sin prosperity now. For Deuteronomy 28:8 says, "Command your blessing upon this land." You said in Deuteronomy 8:9 to bring us into good land without any lack. For your word declares in Psalm 33:2, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord." So I declare to you right now to be Lord over this nation, over the United States of America, and re-receive your blessing over any plague, over any economic distress. You will stay the hand of the enemy according to second Samuel 21:16. Paula White: (28:56) When 70,000 men died by a plague, David cried out as he covered himself in prayer and the Lord answered and said, "It is enough. Stay now thine hand." Lord, let that be the cry today and let that be your answer. Lord, enough coronavirus, enough to death, enough to fear, enough to poverty. Stay thine your hand. We pray over President Trump, and First Lady, Vice President, and Second Lady, and this administration. I declare Psalm 89: 21, let your hand establish President Trump and let your arms strengthen him. I declare Psalm 98:1 that your right hand and your holy arm will give him victory. We declare victory in the name of Jesus. Isaiah 58:11 says, "Guide him continually." And you said in Psalm 78:72 that you would guide him by the stillfulness of your hand. You declared in Psalm 43 that send out your light and truth and let him lead his household, his administration, in the name of Jesus. Paula White: (30:04) Now, Lord, we pray for your mercies, for they are new every single day. And every morning your mercies are new. Your steadfast love never ceases. I declare new mercies for hospital workers, new mercies for doctors and nurses, moms and dads, pastors and clergies, CEOs and employers, for the President, Vice President. God, your love is steadfast and it endures forever. So right now, wrap your arms of love around every person who is hurting, every person who is confused, scared, tired, weary, sick, lonely. Let them know your love. Let them know that you will never leave them and you will never forsake them. Paula White: (30:50) And in conclusion, I declare Isaiah 43:19, I ask the Lord to do a new thing in our nation by giving waters in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Malachi 4:2 says, "Jesus, arise over the nation with healing in your wings." President, one last word. Like David, who had had victory, after victory, after victory, after victory, would face his biggest battle. It was called ziklag. And they would take his wives and his children, and the city would be burned down. And he cried and he wept. And he began to pray out to God and God gave him a word. And through fasting and praying, I believe this is the word for you and for this nation. The Lord spoke to him and said, "Pursue and go after them and you shall without fail recover all." Sir, the word of the Lord, I believe for this nation and for this administration is you will recover all. Donald Trump: (31:49) Thank you, very much, Paula. Incredible, Paula. Thank you. Next is Chaplain Abraham Rahim. Thank you, Chaplain. Chaplain Abraham Rahim: (32:06) Let us pray. Gracious and merciful Lord, I pray for our nation. I bring the needs of our citizens before you and ask that you be with all of us through the challenges we endure from COVID-19. I pray for the victims and families of victims that have lost their lives as well as those that are fighting for their lives today. I pray for the many without jobs, food and shelter. I ask that you would give all of our nation's leaders the wisdom and courage to lead us through this pandemic. Chaplain Abraham Rahim: (32:45) I pray for our President, Vice President, First Lady and Second Lady. I ask that you help us to work together as a nation. I ask that you bless our Congress and all of those in leadership positions to restore our nation back to full operation. I pray for your protection to cover all of our valued healthcare workers, our courageous first responders, law enforcement, community, and brave men and women of our military. I pray for all essential workers. I pray for the soundness of mind for our governors and judges across the land. I pray for every faith community and their leaders, and I asked your blessings upon those in my community who are observing the collective fast of Ramadan. Chaplain Abraham Rahim: (33:39) I ask these blessings and your gracious and merciful name. Amen. Donald Trump: (33:44) Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Sister Debbie Harrison. Sister Harrison, thank you very much. Sister Debbie Harrison: (33:59) Thank you, Mr. President. Our dear heavenly Father, we are grateful this day to be gathered together with representatives from many faiths, united in prayer to appeal to thee thy mercy and grace in helping us and our nation. We are grateful to be in a country where we have the right to exercise our religious beliefs, and we pray and cherish that those freedoms that we have will be protected and not be diminished. Sister Debbie Harrison: (34:28) We are united in prayer today to ask a special blessing of deliverance, deliverance from this pandemic that has covered the earth in a devastating sickness. We ask that our doctors, nurses, and caregivers can be blessed with special protection and recognition of their sacrifices and hard work. Please bless our scientists and doctors to develop effective treatments for those who are sick and who may become sick. We pray that a safe and effective vaccine can be developed quickly to protect us so that life can return to normal. Sister Debbie Harrison: (35:02) Bless the leaders of this great nation to be inspired by thee, to have wisdom and judgment, to make good decisions, and to get the economy running again. Amplify their talents. Bless our leaders to work together in harmony and unity, to do what is best for the citizens of this nation. Sister Debbie Harrison: (35:22) We pray for those that mourn for lost loved ones and ask you to send thy Holy Spirit to comfort them and give them assurance that they can be reunited again through the power of our savior Jesus Christ's resurrection. We know that without thy strengthening help, we will fail, but with thy help and tender mercies, we can do all things and we will not fail. We pray we can look to thee in every thought, doubt not, and fear not. Sister Debbie Harrison: (35:49) We love thee, heavenly Father, and we call down the powers of heaven to help us, unite us, and deliver us from these troubled times. I say these things in deep gratitude for all of our blessings in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Sister Debbie Harrison: (36:03) ... for all of our blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our healer and redeemer. Amen. Donald Trump: (36:08) Thank you very much. Thank you. Rabbi Ariel Sadwin. Thank you Rabbi. Rabbi Ariel Sadwin: (36:18) Thank you Mr. President. King Solomon in his great wisdom writes in the second chapter of Song of Songs, " There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. The Midrash commentary explains this to be referring to almighty God. At a time when his presence is not visible, nor it is readily apparent, but fear not says King Solomon, he is right there. In the background. Watching you through the window and the lattice. [Foreign language 00:36:57] Oh our merciful Father." This idea is so apparent and reminiscent to this most challenging time during which we find ourselves. Our relationship with you seems so different from what it always has been. We have not been in your house, our holy Synagogues in nearly two months. These sacred places where we go to seek you and to derive inspiration three time a day, every day, are empty, dark, and shuttered. Instead, all we have had is the sanctuary of our own homes and the limited allowable interactions. There is fear, there is sickness, there is death, whenever we turn and whenever we listen. But yet we know you are still there, watching over us as always. Rabbi Ariel Sadwin: (37:48) [Foreign language 00:37:48] master of the world, you are the [Foreign language 00:37:52], the healer of all flesh. We implore you to eradicate this awful plague from your earth. Heal those who suffer. Comfort those who mourn. Sustain those who have lost livelihood. Please bless our President, our first lady, our Vice President, our second lady, and the entire administration as well as the leaders of state and local governments who must make critical decisions each and every day. Rabbi Ariel Sadwin: (38:22) Please bless the doctors, nurses, first responders, and all medical personnel who dedicated their lives to save others. Please bless the selfless community and civic leaders who are doing their part to help those in need and please bless each and every one of your 330 million children who make up the United States of America. Amen. Donald Trump: (38:47) Thank you Rabbi, very much. Now I'd like to ask the Spirit of Faith Christian Center choir to come up and conclude the event by leading us in the singing of God Bless America. Thank you. Choir: (39:23) It is my prayer and desire as we join together to sing God Bless America that we would all reciprocate and begin to bless God. Choir: (39:31) (Singing). Donald Trump: (41:30) Well thank you very much. That was great, thank you. You know while you're up here... so this is totally unexpected, but you're so good, do you have one song that you'd like to sing for the group and for the whole world that's watching right now. You have a lot of cameras out there. Go ahead. We'll put a little pressure on you. You can handle it. Go ahead. Choir: (43:38) (Singing). Sing it together you are. Say it. Donald Trump: (43:46) That's fantastic. A lot of people were watching, thank you. Great talent, beautiful. Thank you all very much. Great day of prayer, thank you very much. Donald Trump: (43:55) (crosstalk)- Speaker 6: (43:55) When everything lifts, we'll get a hug. Please do. Please do. We got something for you. Mike Pence: (44:24) Sisters thank you, it's was beautiful. We're honored to have you, we really are. [crosstalk 00:46:31]. My Catholic mother gave me a rosary for [crosstalk 00:46:28] first of the year. [crosstalk 00:46:33]. Came out and gave me a rosary. I haven't seen her since. It's still sitting on my desk. [crosstalk 00:46:49]- Speaker 5: (47:48) Oh you were amazing. Hi. I know.