President Trump Friday afternoon addressed the nation in advance of one of the holiest Christian holidays. In his pre-Easter address, President Trump spoke about remembering Jesus’s sacrifice and resurrection. He then asked Americans to pray for the healing of our country. 

“On this Good Friday, Christians from all around the world remember the suffering and death upon the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Trump said. “And Easter Sunday, we will celebrate His glorious resurrection.”

America is in a battle with an “invisible enemy” — a battle like never before with the coronavirus. Although Christians can’t be together during this time, Trump encouraged people to “focus on prayer, reflection and growing in our personal relationship with God,” which he added was so important. 

Please Pray

He also asked Americans to pray. “I ask all Americans to pray that God will heal our nation, to bring comfort to those who are grieving, to give strength to the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, to restore health to the sick and to renew the hope in every person who is suffering. Our nation will come through like never before. I thank the many families who have prayed for me and for my family and your prayers are felt and I am forever grateful.”

He reaffirmed that Americans believe in the power of prayer. “We give thanks for the majesty of creation, and for the gift of eternal life, and we place our trust in the hands of Almighty God.”

Watch from Associated Press:

And from NBC News:

The president then asked a familiar friend of The Stream, Bishop Harry Jackson, to offer a prayer for the nation. 

Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.