Pastors pray over Trump, seek protection for US troops during Oval Office meeting

A pastor prayed that Donald Trump be granted wisdom and strength to lead the nation, and that God’s protection be given to him and the US troops
UPDATED MAR 6, 2026
Donald Trump hosted a group of pastors and faith leaders from across the United States at the White House on March 5 (Screengrab/@MargoMartin47/X)
Donald Trump hosted a group of pastors and faith leaders from across the United States at the White House on March 5 (Screengrab/@MargoMartin47/X)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump hosted a group of pastors and faith leaders from across the United States at the White House on Monday, March 5, where they gathered in the Oval Office and prayed for the president and members of the US military.

Footage of the moment was shared on X by communications advisor Margo Martin. The video showed Trump seated behind the Resolute Desk while several pastors formed a prayer circle around him, with some placing their hands on his shoulders and arms during the prayer.

The gathering highlighted the president’s continued engagement with faith leaders, a practice that has taken place multiple times during his time in office. 

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Prayer circle in Oval Office

The video posted by Martin showed pastors standing around Trump while one of the faith leaders led a prayer for the president and members of the armed forces.

“I pray for your grace and your protection over him. I pray for your grace and your protection over our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces. And father we just pray you continue to give our President the strength that he needs to lead our nation as we come back to one nation under God.”

The pastor continued the prayer as those gathered stood quietly around Trump inside the Oval Office.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Head of the White House Faith Office Paula White sings as she stands next to U.S. President Donald Trump and other religious leaders during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. The National Day of Prayer is a congressionally recognized observance that calls on people of all faiths to participate in a day of prayer and reflection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Head of the White House Faith Office Paula White sings as she stands next to US President Donald Trump and other religious leaders during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“I pray for your grace and protection over him. I pray for your grace and protection over our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces. And, father, we just pray you’ll continue to give our president the strength that he needs to lead our great nation as we come back to one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We pray your heavenly blessing upon him. In Jesus name.”

The prayer concluded with those present responding with “Amen.”

Similar visit last year

The gathering was not the first time Trump invited pastors and faith leaders to the White House for a prayer session.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by lawmakers and religious leaders, signs an executive order establishing the Commission on Religious Liberty during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. The National Day of Prayer is a congressionally recognized observance that calls on people of all faiths to participate in a day of prayer and reflection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump, joined by lawmakers and religious leaders, signs an executive order establishing the Commission on Religious Liberty during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

A similar event took place last year when several pastors visited Washington, DC, and prayed with Trump inside the Oval Office. Images and statements from that visit were also shared publicly by religious leaders and supporters.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick prayers during a National Day of Prayer event hosted by President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. The National Day of Prayer is a congressionally recognized observance that calls on people of all faiths to participate in a day of prayer and reflection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick prayers during a National Day of Prayer event hosted by President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

During that earlier meeting, First Baptist Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress said he felt honored to lead a prayer for the president, according to The Presidential Prayer Team.

Such gatherings have become a recurring feature of Trump’s engagement with religious leaders, with pastors often offering prayers for the president, the country and members of the US armed forces during their visits to the White House.

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