Franklin Graham Urges Americans to Pray for President-Elect Donald Trump

By Brandon Showalter, Opinion writer and social commentator Wednesday, November 09, 2016

The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, giving remarks at the Decision America event held in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. | (Photo: Courtesy Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)

Evangelist Franklin Graham is congratulating the winners of last night's election and is urging Americans to unite after a long presidential campaign.

"Last night was a real November surprise for a lot of people! In the biggest political upset of our lifetime, the American people elected Donald J. Trump and Mike Pence to lead our nation. I congratulate them this morning!" Graham said on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

"This election has been long, it's been tough, and it's been divisive. It's time to put that behind us," he continued. "Now is the time to come together in unity and work together. Our nation has so many problems that need fixing. Even more important are the spiritual needs of our country. Whether we are rich or poor, without Jesus Christ we are the most desperately in need, the poorest of the poor. We cannot ignore His hand and His supreme authority."

Supporters of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump react at his election night rally in Manhattan, New York, November 8, 2016. | (Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri)

While Graham never formally endorsed any candidate in the race, throughout the election campaign he often warned of the dangers of godlessness and secular progressivism, frequently noting that the only hope for the United States is Jesus Christ.

But in an interview with The Christian Post just before Election Day, Graham said millennials ought to hold their noses and vote for Donald Trump, adding that the man has changed.

"There's two different pictures and two different visions for America.The Democratic Party has a vision, Hillary Clinton has a vision, Donald Trump has a totally different vision for this nation with the Republican Party. This isn't difficult to figure out if you are a Christian.

There's really very few choices here because the Republican Party has a platform where they support life, the unborn, they're very clear on these issues. I think it all boils down to the Supreme Court," Graham said.

According to USA Today, Donald Trump received approximately 37 of the millennial vote.

"One thing is for sure, we need to pray for our new president, vice president, and our other leaders every day — whether we agree with them or not," Graham added in his post on Wednesday.

"They need God's help and direction. It is my prayer that we will truly be 'one nation under God.' Will you commit with me to pray for them every day?"