(Screenshot, Youtube)

Prior to a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, President Donald Trump asked HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson to start the meeting with a prayer and the president also asked reporters to stay for the prayer, saying they "need the prayer more than I do" and that it might help the media to "be honest."

President Trump said, "Now I'm going to ask Ben Carson -- you [reporters] can stay if you want because you need the prayer more than I do, I think. You may be the only ones. Maybe a good solid prayer and they'll be honest, Ben. Is that possible?"

Dr. Carson then prayed, "Our kind Father in Heaven, we're so thankful for the opportunity and freedom you've granted us in htis country. We thank you for the president and Cabinet members who are courageous, who are willing to face the winds of controversy in order to provide a better future for those who come behind us.

"We thank you for the unity in Congress that presented an opportunity for our economy to expand, so we can fight the corrosive debt that is in effect destroying our future. We hope that that unity will spread even beyond party lines, so that people recognize we have a nation that is worth saving and recognize that nations divided against themselves cannot stand.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and others, pray before a Cabinet meeting, Dec. 20, 1917. (Screenshot, YouTube)

"In this time of discord, distrust, and dishonesty, we ask that you would give us a spirit of gratitude, compassion, and common sense. And give us the wisdom to be able guide this great nation and in the future, we ask in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Commenting on the president's action, Rev. Franklin Graham said, "I appreciate the fact that the president recognizes the value of prayer. God hears prayer, and His Word tells us to pray for those in authority."

"Let’s pray together for our president, Vice President Mike Pence, and your representatives in Congress as they have so many key issues before them," said Graham.