A Night of Prayer, Music, and Reflection Honors God at White House
The White House hosted a memorable Easter dinner Wednesday evening, bringing together faith leaders, clergy, and distinguished guests to celebrate the holiest week in the Christian calendar. The evening, filled with prayer, music, and reflections on the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, underscored the administration’s commitment to honoring religious liberty and the Christian faith.
Read More
The event, streamed live to a global audience, began with a heartfelt prayer sung by Charles Billingsley, whose powerful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer set a reverent tone. Billingsley later performed a moving song, set to the tune of the Italian aria O Mio Babbino Caro, with Christian lyrics celebrating the birth and resurrection of Jesus. “Down from His glory, ever-living story, my God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name,” he sang, captivating the audience with lyrics that spoke of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His triumph over death.
Remembering the Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ
President Trump, joined by Pastor Paula White, Reverend Franklin Graham, and Pastor Jentezen Franklin, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of Holy Week. “We’re here in the middle of Holy Week as we remember two of the most monumental events in all of history: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” the President said. He highlighted the administration’s achievements, including the creation of the White House Faith Office and a new Department of Justice task force to combat anti-Christian bias. He also reaffirmed policies supporting religious liberty, school choice, and traditional values, including an executive order affirming that “God created two genders, male and female.”
Pastor Paula White, Senior Adviser for the White House Faith Office, reflected on the profound meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. “Before there was a crown of glory, there was a crown of thorns,” she said, reminding attendees that Jesus “took our place and bore our shame” out of love. She noted that over a thousand faith leaders have visited the White House in recent months, a testament to the administration’s outreach to the faith community.
Reverend Franklin Graham expressed gratitude for the President’s leadership, particularly his Easter proclamation. “There’s been a spiritual drought in this city the last few years, and in this house,” Graham said. “We’re very grateful for the Easter declaration that you put out.” He led a prayer thanking God for Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, urging those watching to turn to Jesus for salvation.
Closing by Pastor Jentezen Franklin
Pastor Jentezen Franklin closed the evening with a powerful message about humility and hope, likening the dinner to Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. “You don’t have to do this,” he told the President, “but we want to say thank you.” He spoke of a spiritual revival sweeping the nation, with churches overflowing and lives being transformed. “If you’re broken, hurting, or lonely, you need Jesus,” he said, extending an invitation to those watching.
The evening also honored Patty Morren, an “angel mom” whose daughter’s tragic loss has inspired her advocacy. The President acknowledged her presence, saying, “Your daughter’s looking down on you today, Patty, and we’re all with you 100%.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Faith Office Director Jenny Korn were among the notable attendees, alongside faith leaders from across the country. The dinner, held in the historic White House, was a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith and the hope of Easter. As Pastor White declared, “His blood still saves, His sacrifice still speaks, and no night is too dark.”
