If there’s any silver lining throughout the global Wuhan virus pandemic, it’s that Americans are coming together again.
On Monday morning an unlikely thing happened on MSNBC.
Host Craig Melvin and Bishop T.D. Jakes prayed together. Live. On-air.
Melvin had been ready to conclude his interview with the world-renowned pastor, when the veteran anchor did something unprecedented for the liberal network.
He asked Jakes to pray for those who couldn’t get to church.
“Bishop,” Melvin said, hesitantly. “30 seconds. For folks who weren’t able to get to church yesterday, I’ve never actually done this on the air. Can you lead us in prayer for 30 seconds?”
“Yes I can,” Jakes said immediately. “Our Father and our God, we bow our heads to you in humility, understanding that we are not competent in and of ourselves to handle this kind of global calamity. We look to you, Lord, to be the source, the strength, the help, the light that we need. Strengthen our first responders, strengthen even our broadcast people, strengthen all of us whose lives have been devastated and disrupted and give us the peace that passes all understanding. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.”
You can hear the powerful prayer here:
“Amen,” Melvin said, echoing Jakes.
Remember, this is the same network of liberal news star Rachel Maddow.
It’s possible that Melvin surprised even himself in asking Jakes to lead a prayer.
Jakes called for strength from a higher being at a time when many states and cities across America have banned the gathering of large groups of people, therefore making it increasingly difficult for worshippers to express themselves freely.
Ahead of Easter Sunday, the biggest day of Christian worship, the nationwide quarantine is a blow for many who expected to gather with friends and family for the holiday.
And so Bishop Jakes has been on a crusade of sorts lately, advising Americans on how to keep faith for the future.
That same Monday he also appeared on Fox News with Neil Cavuto, encouraging worshippers who are sheltering-in-place to still find meaningful ways to celebrate the day.
“The first Easter service wasn’t crowded either,” he reminded viewers. “And it still did not lose its significance for the lack of a crowd.”
Amen.
"In the beginning there were a few people around the tomb. We don't have to have a crowd to honor the resurrection of Christ…It's a great time to gather your family and have a spiritual moment that's intimate between you and the people you love." https://t.co/t1P1yG0QCg pic.twitter.com/NHIB7rPXb6
— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) March 30, 2020
The Horn editorial team