Donald Trump addressed the National Prayer Breakfast this morning. After thanking friends in attendance and praising Vice President Mike Pence, Trump touched on the matter of faith in America:
But most importantly, today I wanna thank the American people. Your faith and prayers have sustained me and inspired me through some very, very tough times. All around America, I have met amazing people whose words of worship and encouragement have been a constant source of strength.
What I hear most often as I travel the country are five words that never, ever fail to touch my heart, that’s “I am praying for you.” I hear it so often, I am praying for you, Mr. President.
He touched on the sacrifices made by our troops, and the time he spent with the family of fallen Navy SEAL Chief William Ryan Owens:
Very, very sad, but very, very beautiful, very, very beautiful. His family was there, incredible family, loved him so much, so devastated, he was so devastated, but the ceremony was amazing. He died in defense of our nation. He gave his life in defense of our people. Our debt to him and our debt to his family is eternal and everlasting. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
We will never forget the men and women who wear the uniform, believe me.
And he discussed the impact of faith on his own life:
I was blessed to be raised in a churched home. My mother and father taught me that to whom much is given, much is expected. I was sworn in on the very Bible from which my mother would teach us as young children, and that faith lives on in my heart every single day.
The people in this room come from many, many backgrounds. You represent so many religions and so many views. But we are all united by our faith, in our creator and our firm knowledge that we are all equal in His eyes. We are not just flesh and bone and blood, we are human beings with souls. Our republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God.
We couldn’t agree more. We’re glad we have a president that’s ready to protect the interests of religious Americans.
