https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yarcpoxwniw
Rev. Greg Laurie visited the White House last week for National Prayer Day, joining other faith leaders at gatherings that meet at services, intercessions and surprise meetings with the president. After spending time at the event, Laurie says there is a message to America.
“I’m in Washington, D.C., located across from the White House in Lafayette Park. We had the opportunity to be at the Rose Garden in the White House to comply with the Day of Prayer,” Laurie shared. “It was a great time. There was beautiful worship and prayers in our country.”
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After the ceremony, Laurie and others were unexpectedly invited to the oval office. “We talked to the president for a while and he gave us all the commemorative coins, which is great,” he said.
Laurie spoke to critics questioning his visit to the White House, highlighting the importance of celebrating authoritative people regardless of political affiliation.
“Look, this is our capital, and the White House is our home. If the president invites me, whether I vote for them or not, I’ll go to the White House,” he said. “And if they ask for prayer, I will pray for the President. I am ordered to pray for those who have leadership on us.”
Laurie considers visiting the White House for National Prayer Day a great example of Christians standing up on partisans and focusing on what’s really important. “Sometimes, we get caught up in partisan ideas and forget about the big picture. We’re talking about prayer,” Laurie said.
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Beyond all of American politics and partisanship, Laurie believes there is only one way to truly experience healing in our country through the power of the gospel.
This provided him with two simple prescriptions for the mental health of his nation. “No. 1, pray for our nation. I pray that God may pour out his spirit. I pray that God may send another spiritual awakening.” He said, “No. 2, preach the gospel. That is the only thing that changes people. That is the only thing that can change culture. And that is the only thing that can change countries with its ultimate effect.”
Looking back at the present moment, Laurie said she was seeing signs of encouragement. “Are we on the brink of another spiritual awakening? I think it’s completely possible. A lot of interesting things are happening. A lot of cultural changes are happening now. And that’s one wonder.
Above all, he asked Christians to continue their witnesses and prayers faithfully. “I consider it a privilege to be invited here anytime, and that I have the influence I need to make my light shine in front of men. So let’s continue to pray for our country. We need it more than ever.
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Only through these powerful acts of faith can we hope to see cultural changes that lead to spiritual awakening. With signs of revival on the horizon, Laurie’s call to action is both an invitation and a challenge, an invitation to be part of a change in God’s desire, a challenge to focus on what connects us beyond political divisions. The love and hope found in Christ.
Abby Trivett is the content development editor for Charisma Media.
