Will Graham Opens NC Assembly’s Session in Prayer

Will Graham, executive vice president and evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, opened the North Carolina General Assembly’s first session of 2025 in prayer today, asking God to give the lawmakers “wisdom to know what is right” and courage to follow Him. Will, the son of Franklin Graham and grandson of the late Billy Graham, offered opening remarks before praying for the legislators and their upcoming tasks in governing the state.

His address came nearly 30 years after Billy Graham prayed during a joint session of the state House and Senate in 1997. Billy Graham called addressing the joint assembly “one of the highest honors I have had, since this is my home state.” That day, Mr. Graham shared how God had changed his life since he had trusted Jesus Christ during a tent meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also encouraged members to look to Christ for wisdom, guidance and hope for the work ahead of them.

Will began by referencing his grandfather, thanking the legislature for the honor they had shown the Graham family over the decades. “I just want to say, on behalf of the Graham family, how much we appreciate what this group of men and women has done to honor my grandfather and my grandmother.”

Before praying, Graham read from Matthew’s Gospel, referencing Jesus’ explanation of the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV).

Billy Graham speaks at the joint session of the NC House and Senate in 1997. Photo: Russ Busby / ©1997 BGEA

“My friends, I believe when we put God first in our life, then it helps us to love our neighbor even better,” Graham said as he offered a short devotional message. “This assembly is about serving neighbors. So I want to encourage you to put God first in your life.” Like his grandfather, Graham gave a brief explanation of how he surrendered his life to the Lord—and encouraged each member present to do the same.

“The problems of this world and this state are not going to be solved by intellect alone,” Graham said. “We are going to need God’s help in all of this. The needs are too great.”

During his prayer, he asked God to bless the legislators with that help. “They carry a burden that most people won’t fully understand or appreciate. They carry the burdens on behalf of others. I pray that You would give them each the wisdom to know what is right and the courage to follow your desires no matter the cost,” he prayed. “Lord, we confess that we do not have all the answers to the problems we face today. Therefore we ask of You to ordain these servants of the state. Give them wisdom and help them to lead this great state of North Carolina. … May these legislators fall in love with You more each and every day. May they look to You to serve others more than themselves.”