Franklin Graham's Inauguration Prayer.

Billy Graham was a true American hero.

The one part of this inauguration I was looking forward to was Franklin Graham's prayer.

It was a good biblical prayer sure but the Gospel wasn't mentioned, Franklin could easily have slipped the Gospel in, a wasted opportunity if there ever was one. 100s of millions were listening.

"But he said Saviour" Sure, but so do Christmas carols. There was no context to the word Saviour.

He should have slipped in a quick message in his prayer (related to the theme) about us being sinners and that our only way to heaven is by believing on Christ's shed blood on the cross.

Also comparing Trump's 4 years against Christ's eternal reign would be useful.

If J.D. Vance is the next president could I suggest Ray Comfort does the prayers for the ceremony? Now that I'd love to see!

[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k8E7PBs-xw]

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graphite · 61-69, M

Franklin's usually a pretty good guy.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@graphite Almost certainly...but totally misguided in allying himself with one extreme political strand. His father never did that and was on good terms with Presidents from both parties and could speak around the world without alienating people.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@graphite He is! I was just surprised.

LadyGrace ·

@FreddieUK However, Billy Graham did choose, and felt that it was his responsibility to choose a leader for our country. God says to pray for our leaders and who we want in office.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@LadyGrace I wasn't aware that Billy Graham chose any President. I thought that was 'the will of the people' in the vote that did that. He certainly drew alongside many and offered counsel, but he made no party political claims about who he thought God had chosen during an election.

Paul does exhort Christians to obey authorities who he says are under God whether they know it or not, and it's true that he urges Timothy to pray for leaders, but I think that's so the Gospel can be proclaimed unhindered not for a political policy I don't think the Bible would have anything to say about praying for who we want in office as in Bible times modern democracy was not a concept.

LadyGrace ·

@FreddieUK It is the will of the people. People do, including Billy Graham, cast a vote for presidents of their choice. It's been revealed that the legendary evangelist Billy Graham voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, stated by his son. It is our duty as Christians to pray for the leaders of our country and elect whom we feel will lead our country in a Christian way.

From President Truman to President Trump, Billy Graham offered spiritual counsel to these world leaders.
By 1952, his words of encouragement helped convince Gen. Dwight Eisenhower to run for president and, once in office, establish a National Day of Prayer. Graham then became an Oval Office regular and a presidential golf partner.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@LadyGrace But until Franklin broke that confidence, he kept his party political views to himself, maintaining the ability to minister to all.

LadyGrace ·

@FreddieUK I don't know that and I don't think anyone can say for sure. You could be right but it still doesn't change anything.