Pete Hegseth To Hold Monthly Pentagon Prayer Meetings

In a time when faith is often sidelined in public life, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken a courageous step by hosting a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon.

The inaugural event, held on May 21, 2025, in the Pentagon’s auditorium, marked a historic moment, signaling a return to the spiritual roots that have long underpinned America’s military and national identity.

This initiative isn’t just commendable but a necessary acknowledgment of the divine providence that has guided the United States through its triumphs and trials which originally began with the nation’s first President George Washington who led the troops in prayer.

Hegseth, a decorated veteran and outspoken Christian, opened the service with a powerful declaration: “This is precisely where I need to be, exactly where we need to be as a nation at this moment, in prayer, on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Declaration of Faith

Christianity isn’t a private practice designed to be confined to the homes and churches of America, but it is a vital force that strengthens individuals and institutions, including the military.

The event, broadcast on the Pentagon’s internal network and attended by a standing-room-only crowd, featured Brooks Potteiger, Hegseth’s pastor from Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Tennessee, who praised President Donald Trump as “sovereignly appointed” to bring “stability and moral clarity” to the nation.

The leader of the Pentagon led those in attendance in prayer saying, “King Jesus, we come humbly before you, seeking your face, seeking your grace, in humble obedience to your law and to your word,” Hegseth prayed.

“We come as sinners saved only by that grace, seeking your providence in our lives and in our nation. Lord God, we ask for the wisdom to see what is right and in each and every day, in each and every circumstance, the courage to do what is right in obedience to your will. It is in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we pray. And all God’s people say amen,” Hegseth added, to which those in the audience replied, “Amen.”

Historical Perspective

The United States was founded on principles rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics, and its military has long relied on the spiritual resilience of its service members.

From George Washington praying at Valley Forge to soldiers finding solace in faith during the darkest moments of war, appealing to God has been a cornerstone of America’s martial tradition.

Hegseth himself emphasized this, stating, “Appealing to Heaven, to God, is a long-standing tradition in our military.” This move isn’t about imposing religion on America’s service members, but rather, it is about honoring the voluntary expression of faith among those who serve.

Despite the criticism of some over the use of the Department of Defense’s seal on event materials and the service’s promotion via official Pentagon channels being portrayed as proof of the government sponsoring the event, the service was explicitly voluntary, open to all Department of Defense personnel, and no government funds were used to facilitate Pastor Potteiger’s visit.

Previously, the Pentagon had been hosting regular services for various faiths in its chapel, and Hegseth’s event simply extended this tradition to a broader, yet still voluntary, audience. As First Liberty, an organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, noted, Hegseth’s “exercise of his religious faith is protected.”

Moreover, the claim that such events marginalize non-Christians ignores the inclusive nature of voluntary participation.

FACT: the United States military is predominantly Christian, with nearly 70% of active-duty service members identifying as such, according to a 2019 Congressional Research Service study. Yet, it remains a diverse institution that accommodates all faiths and those with none.

Hegseth’s service didn’t detract from this pluralism but reflected his personal conviction and the shared beliefs of many in the ranks.

Therefore, to suggest that a Christian prayer meeting inherently excludes others is to dismiss the reality that faith, when expressed authentically, unites rather than divides. And, as Pastor Potteiger prayed, the hope is that these gatherings will see God “move in power, not just through the Pentagon, but through our nation’s capital and down throughout this great nation.”

Conclusion

These prayer meetings are a beacon of hope that are a further realization of the shift taking place across the country, from the hills of Hollywood to the halls of government, that revival isn’t just coming but is already here.

Positions of power can and should lead by example and in what better way than in humbly seeking God’s guidance in the weighty task of defending the nation!

Hegseth’s actions echo the call of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” By bringing prayer to the Pentagon, Hegseth is helping to fan the flames of faith across the military and beyond, fulfilling a divine mandate to seek God’s wisdom and protection for America’s warfighters and its future.

In the face of secular pushback, Hegseth’s resolve should inspire Christians everywhere to stand boldly for their faith. As he put it, “We appeal to Jesus Christ for that protection. We’re gonna speak that, and we’re gonna be open and willing to talk about that at the Pentagon.”

So in reality, this this isn’t just a prayer meeting, it’s a declaration that faith has a rightful place in the heart of America’s defense.

Conclusion

For the people of God, there is no retreat, there is no turning back and it is sometimes in the darkest of places, such as Seattle – the least churched city in America, that the desperation of those crying out for a move of the Holy Spirit in their city burns the brightest!

When you stand for God, He stands with you and it is only too evident in the case of Pursuit Church and Mayday USA, a movement has been birthed. This movement isn’t one emerging as a result of a rally but one that stems from the hearts of God’s people in the secret place for His mighty hand to move.

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!