Story highlights Carson also expanded on why he decided to run for president

He said he thought the attention on a presidential run was "absurd," but it kept going

Washington (CNN) Presidential hopeful Ben Carson welcomes prayers for him, he says, hoping people will pray for his "courage" and "stamina."

The retired neurosurgeon made the request while speaking at the evangelical Christian Liberty University on Wednesday, where he got a glowing response from the crowd.

Asked how the students of Liberty could pray for him, Carson was reflective.

"I am hopeful that the people will pray for courage, for stamina, for protection, for me and my family, and for the eyes of the nation to be opened to what's going on," he said, saying the nation is being divided by phony "wars" between various groups.

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