Billy Graham to Lead Post-Inaugural Prayer

Kansas.com ^ | Jan. 19, 2005 | Associated Press

[mdittmar]

Evangelist Billy Graham will lead the opening prayer at a service Friday honoring the second inauguration of President Bush.

"I have known the Bush family for many years, and have seen how their faith in God has sustained them through some very trying times," Graham said in a statement. "I pray for them daily, and it is a great honor to pray publicly for our president, his family, and our nation as he begins his second term."

The service is scheduled for Friday morning at the National Cathedral.

Bush credits Graham with inspiring him to reaffirm his faith at age 40, give up drinking and become more self-disciplined.

Graham, 86, has participated in inaugural activities on eight previous occasions in the past four decades. He could not attend Bush's first inauguration in 2001 due to a hospitalization a few days earlier.

Graham attended his first inauguration in 1953 - when Dwight Eisenhower was sworn in - but he did not participate in the ceremony. He preached an inaugural day sermon for President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 and has participated in seven inaugurals since then.

[Moose4]

I'm amazed at this. I didn't think the Rev. Graham's health would permit him to do something like this.

He is truly an awesome and inspiring man of God. His autobiography is an amazing read.

}:-)4

[Soul Seeker]

Wow.

I didn't expect he'd be well enough to attend any of the festivities.

Amazing. I'm thrilled the man that led G.W. back to Christ will be in attendance to say a prayer. It feels appropriate.

[azhenfud]

Anyone who thinks Rev. Graham won't reference Jesus Christ is either naive or dreaming...

Take THAT Newdow!

[Walkenfree]

"Billy Graham to pray at Inaugral ceremony."
I have great respect and admiration for Reverend Graham and his unselfish committment to Our Lord!
I am concerned for his safety, but know he trusts God's plan for his life. Awesome!
Thanks for the post.

[F16Fighter]

"Anyone who thinks Rev. Graham won't reference Jesus Christ is either naive or dreaming..."

I wouldn't be surprised, even though I love the guy.

[anniegetyourgun]

Agreed - on all counts. Prayers for his strength and health to complete this task.

[xp38]

Franklin and Billy Graham

[Tribune7]

ditto that

[Christian4Bush]

"I have known the Bush family for many years, and have seen how their faith in God has sustained them through some very trying times," Graham said in a statement. "I pray for them daily, and it is a great honor to pray publicly for our president, his family, and our nation as he begins his second term."

Take that, Newdow...

[mdittmar]

Heard a quote from someone many years ago that I've never forgotten,maybe Freepers can help me with the author,

I'm not worried about the ones that believe in God,I'm worried about the ones that don't.

[SkyPilot]

He preached an inaugural day sermon for President Lyndon Johnson in 1965...

LBJ then celebrated the post-prayer activities by sleeping with his mistress, drinking bourbon, and cursing a lot.

[AZ_Cowboy]

If Billy Graham does it, it is sure to be a show-stopper. He is a man of inspiration.

[mdittmar]

The service is scheduled for Friday morning at the National Cathedral.

[Rocketman]

My family was saved through one of his crusades in new york city sometime in 1971.

Of all the evangelists of our generation he has been the most humble. He has really given himself to his ministry rather than profiting from it and living the life of the rich and famous.

It is a shame that more did not take Billy Graham's example -- instead too many of these others have followed the corrupt path of the 1950's tent evangelists.

[time4good]

"My family was saved through one of his crusades in new york city sometime in 1971.

Of all the evangelists of our generation he has been the most humble. He has really given himself to his ministry rather than profiting from it and living the life of the rich and famous.

It is a shame that more did not take Billy Graham's example -- instead too many of these others have followed the corrupt path of the 1950's tent evangelists."

The only other well-known evangelist of this day that is truly humble and truly trusts God to provide and doesn't hawk a buck is David Wilkerson. I have also respected him over the years. He gave up the huge crusades many years ago in obedience and turned the place that once put on "Jesus Christ SuperStar" into a light in the middle of darkness - Times Square Church in the heart of Manhattan.

[Rocketman]

I Lived in New York and had come into contact with people that had been saved through his ministry and a sister Loa Resatto ? (Spelling)in the late 1960's and early 70's there worked together and the drug addicts were terrified of this woman of God she had such a walk with God.

Anyway in the 80's wilkerson took fed support and he was required to bring in psycologists into the program and it gutted everything

Then I head some years later he rejected the federal grants and tossed all the psycological soothsayers

Last I heard was he was working around times square with some people that I knew though some students I went to school with. I think the ministry was called at one time noah's ark.

Wilkerson was extremely powerful when he began. I have been out of touch from quite some time and now live in Alaska.

So it's nice to hear that he has apparently done good since his grant days.

[time4good]

I get his monthly letter. Cuts like a Two-Edged Sword. The link for his newsletter is Newsletter. The other links related are: Time Square Church and David Wilkerson

[Rocketman]

Thank you you are so kind