Deseret News | Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer

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Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer

kathyn | 3:18 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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

Samantha | 3:58 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

Ken Baguley | 4:22 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

Comments continue below

Ruth | 4:27 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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

I also pray for those in the way of Gustav.

Drew | 4:53 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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

Marsha | 5:12 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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!

Cats | 5:36 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Go Thurl! You're the greatest.

Dave | 5:43 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Is he related to Pearl Bailey?

Anonymous | 5:42 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

Shop & Compare | 5:46 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Did the Democratic Convention include a prayer?

Aarius | 6:03 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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..."

Disbelief | 6:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

@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.

Rod | 6:23 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

to disbelief @6:14 | 6:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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

David | 6:56 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

njp | 7:08 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

bart | 7:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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!

Indiana | 7:32 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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...

Anti-PC Infidel | 7:51 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

>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.

John Pack Lambert | 8:00 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

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.

Lee Murray | 8:06 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This nation was built on Jeudo-Christian principles and the majority of American's have some belief in a higher power. I have been in attendance at prayers offered by a Jewish Rabbi, a Musulam Iman, many different Christian leaders and lay people alike and even my sister (a Pegan prayer to the gods of nature for a blessing on a safe journey). I haven't been offended at the different types of prayers or the suplication to a higher power on behalf of a common good.

If some few don't believe in a higher power outside of their own, and choose to be offended at the beliefs of other, I have great pity on them. But let me ask them a question - If God is real (as I strongly believe) let's ask for his blessings. If god is a "figment of popular imagination" what does it harm to come together in higher thought for a cause higher than our own?

Only those not secure in their own belief or though are offended by the beliefs of others. May God bless those in harms way whereever they are and guide those in power to lead us in the common good.

Re: Disbelief | 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This country was founded on a fundamental belief in God, and the freedom to be able to worship Him whatever way one sees fit. Why not, in a meeting intended to strengthen the foundations upon which this country is built, open the meeting not only in gratitude and in need of blessing, but in celebration of the right we have to pray freely to the God of our choosing both in public and in private?

jimmy5804 | 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Yes, the Democratic Convention ended with a prayer in the stadium. The minister leading the prayer asked all to end the prayer in the way appropriate for their own religion so as to not exclude non-christian religions.

Anonymous | 8:13 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

If it weren't for christian principles, we wouldn't be blessed with the many freedoms the Constitution provides for us as a country. Although, many of the Founding Fathers didn't belong to a particular church, they all had a firm belief in God and the Judeo-Christian ethic.

The country was built on christian principles and we need to continue to promote them for us to retain our freedoms. Other religions are welcome, but they must be tolerant of the very principles and ideas that allowed them to come here and enjoy the freedom and bounty of the earth that others have fought and died to preserve.

PD | 8:18 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Yes, may God bless our country and this election. I'm sure Gustav's calming down is a direct answer to many prayers.

Re: Disbelief | 8:25 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

It should be noted that our nation was founded upon the absolute belief in the divine, and despite efforts in our modern culture to remove any religious practice from the public square, the simple fact remains that our founders intended to protect the free practice of religion in all public places, including the political! You will not find the words "separation of Church and State" anywhere in the constitution and the words of such dignitaries as Thomas Jefferson, ï¿½ï¿½God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?ï¿½, among others should be proof enough that our laws are meant not to remove religion, but welcome it in all its various forms.
You may of coarse, choose not to participate in such exercises, but it is unreasonable to expect many, many millions to follow suit just to appease the few. Feel free to practice any religion (or none at all) you choose, but please allow your fellow countrymen the same liberty.

Thanks For Asking... | 8:27 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Shop & Compare asks if the Democratic Convention started with a prayer?

Not only did it start with a prayer, following Obama's speech to 70,000 on Thursday evening, a pastor took the stage and ended the convention with a prayer as well.

That shouldn't surprise you. In case you hadn't notice we Democrats are in need of as much help from the Almighty as Republicans are!

Do appreciate your interest though. Have you compared where our candidate stands on the issues compared to theirs?

phoebe | 8:34 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Thurl is an awesome speaker and I am happy that he was asked to offer the opening prayer at the Republican Convention.

Some Republicans have made such an issue about the LDS Church that I am a little surprised that he was allowed to offer the prayer. I am glad he did.

Eugene | 8:51 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Thurl is a great choice to offer the prayer at the RNC convention. He is a great example to our young people.

huh? | 9:17 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

What god did Thurl pray to? Lord of the basketball? Zeus? Goddess of the hunt? There are thousands and thousands of gods, all of them impotent and discredited. Did Thurl demonstrate his god's potency so all would quake and shake in awe?

JenM | 9:24 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

David, I take issue with your statement that you somehow know the hearts of all Democrats enough to figure out their level of sincerity in prayer and pledge to country. That is quite a gift you have there. My husband is a democrat, but loves God and country every bit as much as my conservative, republican family. I dare say the majority of democrats would fall into the same category. Faith and freedom are not just loved by republicans--sorry to burst your bubble.

MoJules | 9:26 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This is like coming home day with the Jazz, an article about Malone and Bailey. Back when Bailey was still playing or near the end, but before he became a member of the LDS church, my husband was wheeling through the mall in his wheelchair and he saw Thurl and asked for his autograph, he was really thrilled to get that. My husband died in 93, but I still have Thurl's autograph, he made the day of a young man with great limitations.

Re: Disbelief | 9:28 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Let's remember this is not an official government meeting. It's a private political party. If you want to start a political party where they do not offer an invocation to start things off then you are welcome to do so.

WC | 9:52 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Of course they had a prayer at the Democrat convention...it just didn't get news coverage.

Thank You for Your Prayer(s) | 9:55 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I, like PD, also believe that Gustav's calming down was a direct answer to many prayers.

--Rebecca In Louisiana

Oh Big T | 10:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Say it ain't so! Say you aren't one of them!

Jazz fan | 10:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I'am not from Utah,but Thurl Bailey is a great man. Iliked him very much when he played for the jazz, and I still think he's a great man. I have heard him talk, and Sing. He has a very good voice.
I suppose Huckaduckabee,gave him permission to Pray. I just had to say that! all in fun.

Proud Utahn | 10:50 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Thurl was a great choice and I am sure was respectful, sincere, charitable and patriotic in his prayer.
Quite unremarkable and totally expected in a Republican Party event.

I note that Obama's spiritual mentor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was carefully excluded from any prayers scheduled by the Democrats. His views are the exact opposite of what we got from Thurl Bailey.

I think I will stick with the Republicans, thank you!

Mars | 11:00 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Thank you Thurl and good job Republican Party! Opening with a prayer was an inspired idea. And with Mitt out of the running for VP, having a Mormon (and state of Utah favorite) give that prayer was a very good move. I can't wait to see Obama lose the election this year!

Anonymous | 11:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

"Disbelief | 6:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
@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."

No, actually, too bad for you, Disbelief, if you are not a Christian in America, or anywhere.

And, please, don't think that I'm saying that you're a second-class human being if you're not a Christian. No, we are all the same in God's eyes. However, there is an advantage in believing in true principles because wise behavior flows from wise thinking. And Christ's teachings definitely reflect wise thinking.

I encourage you to study and learn about this "Jesus Christ" in whom you have heard so much of. Learn about Him and when you are ready, ask God if His son is really all he is said to be. All this can be learned by yourself.

I did....

God bless you!

Nancy Lord | 11:32 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Steve Young gave a prayer at the 2000 Republican National Convention.

SBC re: Disbelief | 11:37 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I didn't notice if this was already brought up or not. I believe this is the 2nd RNC opening prayer given by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a row. I think Sheri Dew gave the opening prayer four years ago. I am with Anonymous above thinking it is kind of ironic.

Also, Sorry to tell you Disbelief. Not only did the RNC and DNC open with prayer, but the United States Supreme Court opens every session with prayer. Each Congress Session opens with prayer, etc., etc., etc. Prayer is a MAJOR part of this nation from the very start (as already documented above) and to this very day. I thank my Heavenly Father that this is still the case!

Sincerely, SBC
A ChristianLDS prayer every morning and night, and multiple times throughout the day.

God of Basketball | 12:09 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

If big-t wanted to pray to the 'Lord of Basketball' that is his constitutionally protected right. I'll and fight to the death to defend his right to do it.

Too bad | 12:18 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Too bad the average Republican thinks that Thurl Bailey and his religion is a cult and non-christian.

Interloper | 12:18 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Considering that 93 percent of delegates to the Republican convention are white, it is odd to have a black man open the event. Doing so suggests the GOP has succeeded in becoming diverse, when, in fact, it has not.

Re: Huh? | 1:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

For anyone who listened to his prayer, it was obvious to whom he was praying. You might try it sometime, you might be suprised! I know I was when I prayed for the first time in my life. It happened with two Mormon missionaries on my living room floor as we knelt and they coached me on how and too whom, the rest was all mine! Today, I count that moment a change for the better in my life! And yes, my first prayer was definately answered as has many others since my first prayer!

Lonnie | 10:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Ben Franklin: "I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it" I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. "I therefore, beg leave to move: "That hereafter parayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to buisness, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."
This is just part of Ben Franklin's famous plea for prayer as they deliberated America's future. We need to get to know our Founders a little better. Good for Thurl Bailey and the GOP convention!

jazzgirl_51 | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Thurl Bailey is a very religious man. I have a son who suffers with schizophrenia. Mr. Bailey's songs and inspirational talks have helped him achieve so much more than his doctors thought he would. He is in college and works hard. Thank you Mr. Bailey for your example!

Re: huh? | 4:54 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Your comment is offensive to put it mildly. Get over yourself... and while you are at it, Don't Believe Everything You Think.

Charles Taylor | 6:27 p.m. Sept. 20, 2008

Just thought I give some of you head in the cloud people a little douse of reality. Thurl Bailey is one of the most dishonest people I've ever met. He owes his employees tens of thousands of dollars and refuses to pay - - is it because he doesn't have the money - - - heavens no! Watch his wife spend tens of thousands each month on clothes, jewelry, etc. & you know there is plenty of money. Look at bank account balances & watch the checks coming in & you know there is plenty of money, he is just greedy, dishonest, and thinks he is above the rest of us. I just can't believe that he would accept a request to pray in public & represent the LDS Church when he is not worthy to represent a Christian people. The TV stations should pick up this story but they are scared that Larry Miller will be upset and they will lose advertising dollars since Thurl is the Jazz commentator. A total joke!!! Lets see if Deseret News has the guts to post this!

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Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press

Former NBA player Thurl Bailey, at the podium, leads the invocation at the opening session of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., today.

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Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer

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Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer