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Young Evangelical Leads Delegates in Prayer for Romney During DNC Benediction

Sep. 5, 2012 9:08am Billy Hallowell

Jena Lee Nardella Prays for Mitt Romney & Barack Obama During DNC Delegation

Nardella (Photo Credit: C-SPAN)

On Tuesday, TheBlaze explored the diverse faith traditions that will be included in this week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC). Already, two people of divergent religious beliefs have delivered an invocation and benediction — a Greek Orthodox leader and a young evangelical. During the latter address, though, a noteworthy prayer was uttered for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Jena Lee Nardella, the founder of the non-profit Blood: Water Mission, a group that serves to help those impacted by the African water crisis and works to combat HIV/AIDS, offered a benediction that can best be described as inclusive. Nardella offered a blessing to Romney — a figure that one wouldn’t expect to hear about — at least in a favorable sense — at the DNC.

“I pray as well for Gov. Mitt Romney. May he know your presence, oh God, as he continues to serve as a leader, as a husband to Ann and as a father to his sons and their families,” she said. “Help him to see justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you.”

Watch, below:

These comments came after Nardella offered almost the same, exact prayer for President Barack Obama. Immediately preceding her words about Romney, she said:

“I pray for our president, Barack Obama. May he know your presence, oh God, as he continues to serve as a leader of this nation, as a husband to Michelle and as a father to his daughters. Help him to see justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you.”

Watch Nardella’s entire speech, below (starting at 6:06:54):

As CNN previously reported, “Nardella represents the young evangelical demographic that the Obama campaign is targeting in this election, knowing that older evangelicals are largely locked up for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.”

Considering that she brought Romney up, too, though, it seems she was definitively attempting to be fair to both candidates, rather than endorsing one over the other.

(H/T: Business Insider)

–

Related:

Meet the 6 Diverse Religious Leaders Obama Selected to Deliver Prayers atthe DNC

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Comments (40)

roach
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:48pm
I wish religious nutjobs would stay out of the elections. No one cares that you still believe in fairy tales.

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FaithfulCitizen
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:21am
I watched this live (on C-SPAN) and I’ve gotta say that, while I’m impressed with a young person being so devoted and faithful to God, I was a little taken aback by her “prayer”. Granted, there were references to God in it, but she also gave a plug for her own African missions to the audience. We generally don’t tout our works while conversing with God.

It really seemed less like a prayer and more like a “religious speech”. A lot of looking to the audience, self-referential, and … just not the kind of prayer I’m used to hearing. The only part that sounded like prayer was… the actual prayer of St. Francis at the end. (And even then, it seemed like a bone thrown to the “Catholic” democrats.)

I dunno – just something didn’t ring 100% genuine to me about it. Not judging – just my opinion.

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kcruzette7
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:43pm
Knapp is looking for publicity and promotion. She announced her rebellion to Christian faith a while back for-shock therapy to get exposure and promotion. It back-fired. People didn’t talk her up like she thought they would. She knows how to work it. Here she is again! Another shock therapy ruse to garner her fame and fortune w/her admonition of being homosexual rebelling against her Christian faith. Oh but wait a minute. She compromised it – it’s okay…she worked it in. We are a society that fuels and feeds on the games that people play.

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Nanaswords
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:31pm
I was watching on Fox…and they cut away from her…so…I flicked over to c-span and listened to her. I wanted to see if she was one of the young generation that has her Scripture clear ! I don’t know who slipped her into the convention… I decided she is a very alert student of scripture…and… her prayer was Very Much Clear On Her Foundation !!! With the audience…some were obviously touched…while some others were almost seemingly angry ! From the few that the camera caught at least. I do think that it was an accident for those that had planned to make it a left-political prop. ! It was an obvious “gotcha moment” as far as I am concerned !!! Guess they did not pre-check the prayer A Surprise ? Maybe !!!

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MONICNE
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:13pm
On this same page there are folks saying the Demon-rats do not allow God at all. Now this article complains there is God being invoked. Looks to me like a rock & hard place situation for Dem. (or, They)

LOL
TEA

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- woodyl1011fl
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:54pm
  There are many types of people who call themselves evangelicals but have nothing to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in what beliefs they have or works they do. This woman’s organization is one of those organizations as their mission statement is written more like community organizer style operation than anything with a Christian Evangelical organizational mission. The quoting of Micah 6:8 does not validate the assumption that she is an evangelical Christian engaged in representing Christ in what she does.
  
  Report this comment
- CharlesMartel
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 6:05pm
  My pastor wouldn’t pray at either party’s conventional unless he was allowed to include a call to repent from the particular party’s un-Biblical positions
  
  Report this comment
JerryNic
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:23pm
At least she was cute.

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Creativethinker
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 11:53am
She had better seriously pray about who she is supporting and voting for… christians will be held accountable for their vote! Obama is the biggest abortion enforcer and gay marriage is an abomination to God.

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- RWCT
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:34pm
  What JUSTICE was she praying for?? Social justice? I would like to have had her quote some Scriptural reference where Christ advocated social justice. As I recall. HE said there will always be poor amoung us. Charity yes! Wealth redistribution[which is what is behind social justice] NO.
  Let those who WILL not work, not eat! SOON they will work!
  AMEN
  Maranatha
  
  Report this comment
- RossPoldark
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:02pm
  She is a Christian wannabe. She is an excellent example of a cafeteria Christian, who picks and chooses in the bible what suits her needs, and who wants to bend God and his will to he will, rather than the other way around.
  
  Report this comment
- Texas.7
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:44pm
  She was quoting scripture:
  
  Mic 6:6 With what shall I come before the LORD,
  And bow myself before the High God?
  Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,
  With calves a year old?
  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
  Ten thousand rivers of oil?
  Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
  The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
  
  (Man’s question to God, reminiscent of Abraham’s would-be offering of Isaac- yet it was God who gave His own Son for us, for rebellious man.)
  
  8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;
  And what does the LORD require of you
  But to do justly,
  To love mercy,
  And to walk humbly with your God?
  
  She showed grace in praying for Romney, but I wish she had continued with the same scripture, regarding the use of “wicked scales” (used to measure costs, debt and jobs). Lies and deceptive practices cannot co-exist with God’s Justice. The Truth is greatly needed at this convention, and in our nation.
  
  9 The LORD’s voice cries to the city—
  Wisdom shall see Your name: “Hear the rod!
  Who has appointed it?
  10 Are there yet the treasures of wickedness
  In the house of the wicked,
  And the short measure that is an abomination?
  11 Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales,
  And with the bag of deceitful weights?
  12 For her rich men are full of violence,
  Her inh
  
  Report this comment
MatthewChapter24
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:50am
Seek justice, love mercy…gee, those words sound a little familiar–

“COURAGEOUS” by Casting Crowns
We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we’re watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the lord

We were made to be courageous
And we’re taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of god arise

We were made to be courageous
And we’re taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees, with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your god
Seek justice. love mercy
Walk humbly with your god

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- Favored93
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 11:12am
  Actually sir or madam this is Bible and casting crowns put music to it.
  Micah 6:8
  He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
  
  Report this comment
- gotty
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 11:15am
  I think it was in the Bible before Casting Crowns used it…
  
  Report this comment
- Kalish
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 11:58am
  They (democrats) claim to be christians, while the person they voted for not only is pro abortion, but is pro partial birth abortion ? and the democrats are the party of abortion, and the party of advocating stealing from others, through class warfare and taxes ?
  
  Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
  Jesus Christ, Mark 7:6
  
  Report this comment
- Valuable
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:02pm
  “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 New International Version
  
  Interesting that someone who has a Bible chapter and verse as their username doesn’t know the well-known verse from Micah and accuses someone of taking it from a Christian song. Not sure why the Evangelical was accused of that. I doubt the poster is from a Mainline denomination as they love that verse from Micah as they put their social justice spin on it which makes it more like humanism-based than Divine-based.
  
  Report this comment
- panderingclowns
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:45pm
  God bless this girl she knows Jesus Christ is our true savior not Romney or Obama. Who let her on stage?
  
  Theres a group called Casting Crowns?
  
  Report this comment
toiletclogga
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:09am
God, pour out your blessings on this young gal! When I see her, I see your Son. True faith is inspiring in one so young.

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truthnstuff
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:04am
Opportunists leading morons. Go DNC.

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:01am
I’m praying he just wins……”

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dadadadio
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:51am
What do you wanna bet she got ‘corrybookered’ after she got off stage….

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Individualism
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:49am
big deal, praying to air. btw both just need to jump off the earth and fly into the sun.

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- DogTags
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:06am
  You seem very hateful towards a God you claim doesn’t exist and towards people who believe in Him. How come you are not so angry at people who believe in fairy tales like leprechauns, or space aliens, or evolution?
  
  Report this comment
- ERP
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:35am
  @Individualism
  
  I saw your comment under the Chris Christie/Jimmy Fallon story:
  
  Not funny.
  
  Your comment here:
  
  Just lame
  
  Thanks for playing. Sorry, no parting gifts for you.
  
  Report this comment
quiltgal
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:49am
After the prayer for Obama’s reelection, she should have added, “And God help us all!”

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jestice
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:46am
Great prayer, very inspirational. Not sure if that’s what the Dems wanted though.

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- Gonzo
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:35pm
  It doesn’t matter to the Dems. Most of them think she’s talking to herself anyway.
  
  Report this comment
- CharlesMartel
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:56pm
  The probably paid no more attention than Obama did for 20 years in Jeremiah Wright’s church.
  
  Report this comment
LouTheGecko
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:41am
From what I read here, she sounds like a true Christian, just as Marine25 states. Self-described (bible-based) Christians recognize others very quickly. Let’s hope her prayers are answered just like the ones I know others are saying for our leaders and our country, even if she is speaking from the Lion’s den!

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:39am
Im prayin he wins…….”……….”……………”….”"….”…..and may the good Lord help us if he doesn’t…….

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GlennaBeckski
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:27am
I didn’t see her but I’m gonna bet she won’t be invited back.

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The Jewish Avenger
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:25am
That sea of “forward”….

It’s like a footnote photo you expect to see 100 years from now talking about the rise of the socialist/communist regime in the U.S.S.A.

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Marine25
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:15am
Why is this surprising? Most self-described Christians are not hateful, insensitive, or bigoted when it comes to their faith. The rest post here at the Blaze.

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- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:24am
  Well then, Welcome to the club!
  
  Report this comment
- hi
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:25am
  Lol!
  
  Report this comment
- termyt
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:20am
  Stop projecting your own failings and insecurities on the rest of us, please.
  
  Report this comment
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:13am
Good to see one honest person at the witch festival. I wonder if everyone hissed after hearing this?

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- Wildblue3
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 9:35am
  Yes. I applaud the girl for saying it and I wonder what was the crowd’s reaction.
  
  Report this comment
- palerider54
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:08am
  I did not see her, but I am betting she will not be invited back.
  
  I tried to watch some of the DNC last night, but I kept getting the urge to throw a brick through the tv screen or unload my Glock 40 cal into it.
  
  With the cost of replacing my tv so often being so high, I just turned it off.
  
  I have always felt that the polls they take are corrupt and biased to try and convince the public of one thing or another. But if they are correct, and close to half of the American public agree with King Hussien and his policy, we are screwed, no matter who wins the election.
  
  Report this comment

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