President Donald Trump observed Sunday’s National Day of Prayer for Americans affected by the killer coronavirus by livestreaming a local Georgia church service.
The president announced the special day over the weekend saying, ‘In our greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty’.
Although most religious services have ceased congregating due to the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 3,000 nation-wide and led to at least 58 deaths, many are turning to livestreams to worship.
The president tuned into a sermon by Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel Church in Gainesville, Georgia on Sunday morning.
President Donald Trump declared Sunday as a National Day of Prayer for Americans affected by the killer coronavirus and for the nation’s response efforts
The president tuned into a sermon by Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel Church in Gainesville, Georgia on Sunday morning (pictured above during service)
The president announced the special day over the weekend saying, ‘In our greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty’
The president praised Pastor Jentezen Franklin for his sermon on Sunday
Pastor Franklin tweeted his thanks saying: ‘Honored and thankful President @realDonaldTrump! Praying for you’
Trump tweeted: ‘Today is National Day of Prayer. God Bless everyone!’
He followed up saying: I am watching a great and beautiful service by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Thank you!’
Pastor Franklin tweeted his thanks saying: ‘Honored and thankful President @realDonaldTrump! Praying for you.’
Trump first announced the special day of prayer on Friday.
‘No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!’ he tweeted.
‘I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation,’ the president wrote in a statement shared Saturday.
He asked the public to think about the doctors, researchers, and first responders who put their lives on the line in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump shared this statement on Saturday saying ‘In our greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty’
‘I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders,’ Trump shared.
Earlier that same day he told reporters that he was tested for the COVID-19, after days of dodging the question, and the tests came back negative.
On Friday the president declared a national state of emergency allowing him to access $50billion in emergency funds to give to states in need and unveiling drive-thru testing in Walmart, Target and CVS parking lots.
President Trump and Pastor Franklin pictured together in 2015
As of Sunday over 3,000 people were infected with the virus and at least 60 dead in the US
Trump has closed American borders to European foreigners in light of the outbreak, as Italy, Spain and France announce lockdowns in their own countries to combat the spreading disease.
Churches have seen a surge in online viewership due to the outbreak, CNN Business reports, as locals have been advised to remain indoors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral based in Seattle said their livestream viewership more than doubled last week.
Churchome, the megachurch frequented by celebrities like Justin Beiber, has reported a 60 percent surge in app sign-ups after shuttering its Seattle location.