Hey, you’ll note that I didn’t endorse it. I’d find it offensive myself because of the pressure, even though I pray on my own and in public in appropriate situations.
To be honest though, I find the American attitude in some of these issues odd. A similar situation in NZ would be seen as quirky/odd/indicative of potential mental instability, etc and inappropriate behaviour, but there wouldn’t be the same shock that prayer was involved. It would be similar to if he urged singing the anthem or some similar act.
On an unrelated note that I’m curious about - why do all US churches on TV have American flags in them, near the front? No other country in the world that I’ve visited places flags in the Catholic churches I go to, since the Church is separate to individual nations and belongs to God not Man.
Honestly, I have no idea why they fly the US flag. I don’t (or haven’t) been a big supporter of organized religion. I’ll have to take note from now on when I drive by a church.
I much prefer a small prayer group or circle of friends rather than a large gathering in a formal church.