Texas Governor Rick Perry invigorated the crowd at “The Response” Saturday morning, reading scripture passages and leading over 20,000 people in prayer.
 ‘Like all of you, I love this country deeply,’ Perry said.  ‘The only thing that you love more is the living Christ.’

Perry, who is contemplating a presidential run, read scripture from the Book of Joel, Isaiah, and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
There were few references to politics in his brief speech.  Perry only remarked that God is not political.

‘His agenda is not a political agenda.  His agenda is a salvation agenda,’ Perry said.  ‘He’s wise enough not to be affiliated with any political party.’
The Texas governor prayed for the state of the country along with the president, the military, and those killed in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan.  

‘Father, our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home.  We see fear in the marketplace, we see anger in the halls of government, and as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us who blesses us and for that we cry out for your forgiveness.’

Engaging in singing gospel hymns and praying, over 20,000 people attended The Response, much higher than the initial estimates given by event organizers.  Coordinators opened the upper decks of Reliant Stadium, which houses over 70,000 seats, after the floor and lower bowl levels filled up.
The crowd consisted of a broad mix of people from across the country.  Janet Lantrip of Houston, Texas said Gov. Perry’s call for prayer is what motivated her to join the group today.
‘I’m coming to join the people to pray for this nation, Lantrip said.  ‘I’ve come here today because I believe that Governor Rick Perry is like a king over this land and he’s called for prayer for this land.’

Asked whether it is appropriate for a government official to be leading a prayer event, Candis Richardson, who drove six hours with her church group from McAllen, Texas, said Perry is just the person to lead this event.

‘Today by doing this not only has he shown his personal integrity, but he’s sort of steering our nation back to where it was started so we’re really proud of him,’ Richardson said. ‘I think its definitely appropriate that he be the one who lead us.’
But above all, people in the crowd said they’re not thinking about a potential ‘President’ Perry.  They are here to offer their prayers for a nation.
‘We’re a nation in crisis. We believe the answer to this crisis is to seek the face of God.’

I am amazed Perry had the guts to pull this off but there’s an exclusivity here I don’t really like. Do you think if 20 000 Muslims or Jews prayed for America it would get this kind of reaction?

I really don’t think politics and faith should be this close. Don’t forget this is a sitting governor running this thing.