In an inspiring speech, President Trump declared that faith was a priority in America once again after gathering with a group of religious leaders on the White House lawn to celebrate the National Day of Prayer, which followed the signing of a proclamation of the holiday on the same day.
For context, in an official proclamation, President Trump announced that May 1, 2025, was the National Day of Prayer, and he encouraged all Americans to take time to reflect on the importance of prayer as an integral part of life, as well as to be grateful for all of the blessings bestowed on the nation.
In his proclamation, President Trump drew attention to his recent work in protecting believers in America from bias and discrimination, saying, “As President, I proudly established Task Forces to eradicate religious bias by combating anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and additional forms of anti-religious bias.” He added, ” I will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty and protecting God in our public square.”
Continuing, the president spoke about his own personal faith, saying it “took on new meaning” when an assassin made an attempt on his life on July 13, 2024. President Trump explained that he believed “God spared my life for a reason — to save our country and restore America to greatness. It serves as a sacred reminder of our Creator’s infinite goodness, guidance, and grace.”
Furthermore, President Trump spoke passionately about the importance of keeping the National Day of Prayer, saying, “I encourage all Americans to observe this day, reflecting on the blessings our Nation has received and the importance of prayer, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in their houses of worship, communities, and places of work, schools, and homes.”
Following the proclamation, President Trump joined religious leaders and members of his Cabinet on the White House lawn and made a moving speech that touched on the importance of prayer. He told the crowd, “Today, as the American people turn to God in prayer, we continue a tradition older than our independence itself.” He continued, “On June 12, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed a day of fasting and prayer so that Americans fighting for their liberty could seek the help of the Almighty.”
Continuing his speech, the president declared, “We’re bringing back religion in our country and we’re bringing it back quickly and strongly.” He later added, “This is going to be really four years of celebration, so get ready,” and said, “We’re going to bring God to those celebrations. We’re not going to forget about God.”
Following President Trump’s speech, multiple faith leaders stepped up to the podium to pray for him and his Cabinet, along with the country as a whole. In one of the most moving moments from the event, Pastor Kelvin Cobaris prayed, “We thank you that while the enemy has used many attempts to threaten [President Trump’s] life, you saved him, to stand, to represent, to save America.”
Watch Pastor Cobaris’ speech:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video