Hegseth Plans Monthly Prayer Events Leading Nation & Defense Department Back to God
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led the Department of Defense in a Christian prayer service in the Pentagon’s auditorium this week in an event described as standing-room-only and lasting approximately 30 minutes. The service, named the “Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service,” featured Brooks Potteiger, pastor of Hegseth’s Tennessee-based church, Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship, as the main speaker. Hegseth announced plans to make the prayer service a monthly occurrence.
“This is precisely where I need to be and I think exactly where we need to be as a nation at this moment, in prayer on bended knee recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Hegseth said, addressing the audience. He added, “Knowing that there’s an Author in heaven overseeing all of this, who’s underwritten all of it for us on the cross, gives me the strength to proceed,” emphasizing the importance of God’s Providence for his role.
Hegseth noted that attendance was voluntary but encouraged attendees to inform their colleagues, stating, “Hope you’ll let those you work with know about it,” as he expressed gratitude for their participation.
During the service, Hegseth led a prayer, saying, “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. Lord God, we ask for the wisdom to see what is right and in each and every day and 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 said ‘amen.’” The audience, including at least one general, responded with “Amen.”
Tami Radabaugh, a deputy assistant to Hegseth, shared on X, “Grateful to have a @POTUS @realDonaldTrump @SecDef and administration who love the Lord as I do,” reflecting enthusiasm for the event.
The event included prayer for President Trump as a divinely appointed leader, with Pastor Potteiger praying, “We pray for our leaders who you have sovereignly appointed, for President Trump, thank you for the way that you have used him to bring stability and moral clarity to our land and we pray that you would continue to protect him, bless him, give him great wisdom.” Hegseth described Potteiger as a long-time mentor and a “Bible-believing, rock steady minister.”
This event, held outside the Pentagon’s chapel, is being praised by leaders, including Franklin Graham, stating, “Thank you Pete Hegseth for not being afraid to stand up for Jesus Christ in the Pentagon. May God bless you.” Trump pledged to promote conservative Christianity in government and now it’s happening.