Pastors pray for Trump as US–Israel’s war in Iran snowballs into escalated tensions

*Primate Ayodele’s warning to Trump remembered

By KEMI KASUMU

Meanwhile, some respondents reacting to the development told The DEFENDER that while praying for leaders is appropriate, faith leaders should also challenge policies they believe are wrong.

A group of evangelical pastors and Christian faith leaders gathered at the White House in Washington, D.C. to pray for U.S. President Donald Trump amid heightened tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

During the meeting in the Oval Office, several pastors stood around the president at the Resolute Desk and prayed for guidance, wisdom and protection as he leads the country. Photos and videos shared from the event showed religious leaders placing their hands on Trump while offering prayers.

The gathering was organised with the involvement of the White House Faith Office and included prominent evangelical figures such as Robert Jeffress, Samuel Rodriguez and historian David Barton.

Jeffress later described the opportunity to pray for the president as an honour, while other faith leaders said the meeting was “an incredible day” and a meaningful moment to pray for national leadership.

According to participants, the prayers asked God to grant the president wisdom, protect him from harm and help advance policies grounded in what they described as faith-based values and justice.

The prayer session reflects Trump’s continued outreach to evangelical Christian groups, a key part of his political base. His administration has promoted religious initiatives, including the creation of the White House Faith Office to coordinate engagement with religious leaders and advocate for religious liberty.

Supporters say such gatherings highlight the role of faith in public life and provide spiritual support for national leadership. Critics, however, argue that the events raise questions about the separation of church and state and the influence of religion on government policy.

The Oval Office prayer event underscores the close relationship between the Trump administration and conservative Christian leaders, a partnership that has increasingly influenced political messaging and policy debates in Washington.

Meanwhile, some respondents reacting to the development told The DEFENDER that while praying for leaders is appropriate, faith leaders should also challenge policies they believe are wrong.

They argued that the pastors should urge the president to reconsider policies they claim allow Israel’s actions to draw the United States into controversial military and political decisions.

In the meantime, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele’s warnings to United States of America particularly President Donald Trump have just come to mind as reactions tracked the prayers for Trump by the American pastors.

One of the respondents simply quoted a newspaper report that said “Primate Ayodele had consistently warned during some live services at his Lagos church that there will be an attempt to kill the supreme leader of Iran by USA. He warned the USA against carrying out the plans, and simultaneously warned the Islamic nation to be watchful and prepare ahead.

“These were his words:

“America, don’t strike the leader of Iran. If you do, it will cause serious tension and war.”

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“Again, Primate Ayodele had mentioned in an earlier prophecy that he foresees damage in Dubai”:

“There is no crisis in Dubai; it’s the best country in the world, but I am seeing damage in Dubai.”

He said, “In fulfilment of this prophecy, More explosions have been heard across the Gulf states as Iran carries out attacks in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.

“The explosions were heard for a second day on Sunday morning in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates; Bahrain’s capital, Manama; and Qatar’s capital, Doha, raising fears of a wider conflict in a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in an otherwise turbulent Middle East.”