06/02/2026
A Georgia pastor is challenging American Christians to do something almost no one talks about anymore. Pastor Otha Turnbough of Lionheart Church in Austell, Georgia delivered a sermon titled “Why We Should Pray for President Trump,” urging believers to view the current presidency through a biblical lens rather than a partisan one. Turnbough has been preaching this message since November 2024 in a series that includes a sermon titled “The Supernatural Reason Trump Became President.” His central claim is not that Trump is perfect, not that every policy is righteous, and not that any politician is a savior. His claim is simpler and older than any administration. God uses imperfect leaders to accomplish purposes that no human can fully see, and the people of God are commanded to pray for whoever sits in authority. The instruction predates the United States by two thousand years. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” — 1 Timothy 2:1–2. Notice what Scripture does not say. It does not say pray only for leaders we voted for. It does not say pray only when our team is winning. It says pray for kings, plural. For all who are in high positions. The same instruction applied when Nero sat on the throne and Paul wrote those words from a Roman prison. A nation that prays for its leaders, whoever they are, is a nation that has not forgotten Who actually holds the throne above every throne. When is the last time you prayed for the people in authority over you, regardless of how you voted?
