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Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer

Thurl Bailey is really the best of the best. I've seen him speak on tv and he is intelligent and articulate.

That is so cool, that he would do that. He's prays and blesses others. That is really neat. I had no idea he was a member of the LDS church.

I couldn't be more proud to have Thurl Bailey represent me as a leader in prayer...Thurl you're one to behold...Thanks for your faithful life.

That's super. I love Thurl. He is a super singer.

I also pray for those in the way of Gustav.

Couldn't be a nicer guy. Great job Thurl. You are such a great leader and example for us all.

This is politics with heart! What better way to open a political event than with a solemn prayer for guidance and protection for all Americans. Well done, Thurl; well done RNC!

Go Thurl! You're the greatest.

Is he related to Pearl Bailey?

Well how about that? The GOP let a Mormon give the invocation at their convention!

Kidding aside, this is wonderful. Thurl's a great guy.

Did the Democratic Convention include a prayer?

Wise choice. Thurl has added honor and sincere humility to the political arena, something Mitt would have built his administration upon. Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, the Church is coming out of obscurity until it blankets the earth with truth and integrity. Naysayers may argue all they want to but the truth my friend is the truth. Remember, "No unhallowed hand..."

@Marsha - I thought you were joking. I fear you aren't. I'm thinking that's a great way to open a church meeting, but a political meeting? Well, I guess as long as the prayer invokes your religion. Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA.

Could it get any better than to invoke the blessing of our God under whose influence the great country was built? Thanks to the GOP for lighting the way in an otherwise dim outlook for this election.

A sincere prayer is a wonderful thing. Just let it go, please.

While I feel the RNC, in general, is more sincere with the prayers, pledge of allegiance, etc. please note that the DNC also had an invocation and benediction at each of their sessions. I'm glad the majority of those commenting seem to be conservative, but please know what "the other side" is doing as well so you can speak intellectually about the political process in this great land.

My faith in politics may have been somewhat restored! Thank you RNC for blessing the nation, the people, and those who serve to keep us free! Thank you Thurl.

If everyone, Republican, Democrat or Independent had a similar sincere prayer in their heart. the problems of the world would become opportunities for service rather than contention and blame, which seem to premoninate in the political arena in the USA as well as most, if not all other countries. Oh, how I wish we could work together for the common good without someone forcing their idea of what the common good is down our throats. Thurl has a clew. Let's all look for one as well. Kife will be so much better for us all. Thanks Thurl! Thanks RNC!

Yeah!!! That is just great that they opened with a prayer and asked God to bless this great meeting. Prayers are NOT just for Church, they are for life; all of it! God can bless any part and all of our lives.

A deep gratitude for all of the well thought out, kind and reasonable comments on here.

I love and enjoy Thurl Bailey...

>Did the Democratic Convention include a prayer?

Yes, to their god, themselves.

>but a political meeting?

Yeah, that doesn't happen. Oh, wait. That's what the Founding Fathers did. And that's probably why you don't like it.

>Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA.

Actually, too bad for you if you aren't a Christian anywhere. But you can always change, so it's okay.

I also have to say Thurl Bailey is a great guy.
Samantha, I sense you would be wanting to know more about Brother Bailey. The Deseret News had a full article on his life and conversion in the Febuary 22nd, 2003 edition. There are some other references as well. Just search "Thurl Bailey" and Mormon in the Deseret News Archieves and you will find them.