In an inspiring moment, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demonstrated his commitment to the Christian faith by holding a prayer service at the Pentagon, saying the event would take place monthly under his leadership and drawing praise from Christians and criticism from the left, with some calling it a violation of the separation of church and state.
For context, on May 22, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted the first Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, joined by his pastor and a group of gathered DOD staff members. During the service, Secretary Hegseth prayed for guidance and wisdom for the staff at the Department of Defense, leading some to react critically and others to pray for the open display of faith.
During the service, which was broadcast on the DOD’s internal TV network, Secretary Hegseth began by expressing gratitude to the gathered crowd for focusing on God, saying, “As I look out at this audience, this is precisely where I need to be, and I think exactly where we need to be as a nation at this moment: in prayer on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Continuing, Secretary Hegseth invited the gathered members of the Department of Defense staff to remember that there is an “author in heaven overseeing all of this, who’s underwritten all of it for us on the cross,” adding that God is who gives him “the strength to proceed” and calling for everyone gathered in the room to create “that routine of prayer, of humility, of seeking His grace and His guidance, just like George Washington did on bended knee in the most difficult moments with his troops in impossible circumstances.”
Next, Hegseth led the room in prayer to “King Jesus,” saying, “We come humbly before you, seeking your face, seeking your grace in humble obedience to your law and to your word.” He continued, “We come as sinners saved only by that grace, seeking your providence in our lives and in our nation.”
Concluding his prayer, Hegseth asked God for wisdom and the ability “to see what is right, and in each and every circumstance, the courage to do what is right in obedience to your will.” He finished, “It is in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we pray. And all God’s people said, ‘Amen.'”
After Hegseth’s prayer was broadcast online, it predictably drew criticism from the left. According to coverage from CNN, a former Pentagon lawyer who remained anonymous reportedly called the service “incredibly problematic,” adding, “Having a broadcast event is obviously an endorsement even if they don’t officially say, ‘This is a Pentagon event.'”
On the other hand, the religious liberty firm First Liberty issued a statement on May 21, 2025, defending Hegseth’s decision to host the prayer service. Spokesperson John Manning said, “Secretary Hegseth’s exercise of his religious faith is protected just like it was for the Navy SEALs we represented against the prior administration when it tried to kick them out for their faith objection to COVID-19 requirements.” Manning added, “We commend Secretary Hegseth for standing up for the Constitution and against censorship.”
Watch the prayer:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video