Riverside County's 'Pastor Greg' to Give Benediction During National Prayer Service

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie, based in Riverside, will be among 26 faith leaders participating in President Donald Trump's National Prayer Service Saturday in Washington, D.C.

Laurie, best known for hosting the annual Harvest Crusades that draw tens of thousands of people to venues nationwide, was to offer a benediction for Americans who serve in civilian and military capacities, according to the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee.

"It is fitting that the president-elect will begin his inauguration week with a salute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and end the week in prayerful reflection at the National Prayer Service," said committee CEO Sara Armstrong. "At this moment of renewal for our country, President-elect Trump is humbled to pause and join with leaders from many different faith traditions represented in our country to ask His blessings for peace and prosperity for our country."

A diverse group will be imparting devotionals Saturday at Washington National Cathedral. Their number include a rabbi, a representative of the Navajo Nation, a Greek Orthodox priest, a Baptist minister, a Catholic archbishop and one of Reverend Billy Graham's grandchildren.

Vice President Mike Pence is slated to join Trump for the interfaith service, which follows a tradition established by President George Washington, who, after the first inauguration in April 1789, walked to St. Paul's Chapel in New York City -- then the federal capital -- to pray for the nascent country.

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--City News Service/Image courtesy of Greg Laurie on Facebook