Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s recent prayer service to reporters, asserting that the DOD will continue to honor the tradition of “appealing to Heaven.”
“I’ve gotten some criticism for the Christian prayer service at the Pentagon yesterday. We said it very publicly, said it very proudly,” Hegseth told reporters. “Appealing to Heaven, to God, is a longstanding tradition in our military. I’m very proud of starting a monthly voluntary service at the Pentagon.”
“George Washington is on bended knee with the troops, praying for God’s providence and protection in that moment. Ministers, Christians, and people of faith across generations have prayed because of the business that we’re in, and the business of the 82nd Airborne, and we watch that 9-1-1 button for the country,” he continued. “And we appeal to God. I appeal to Jesus Christ for that protection, we’re going to speak that word and be open and willing to talk about that at the Pentagon. If they want to criticize that, they’re on the wrong side of a very important issue.”
Hegseth held a service this week where he prayed, “King Jesus, we come humbly before you, seeking your face, seeking your grace, in humble obedience to your law and to your word.”
“We come as sinners saved only by that grace, seeking your providence in our lives and in our nation,” Hegseth said. Lord God, we ask for the wisdom to see what is right and in each and every day, in each and every circumstance, the courage to do what is right in obedience to your will. It is in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we pray. And all God’s people say amen.”
