Texas Governor Rick Perry urges Christians to "turn to God for answers to US' woes"

Washington, Aug 7 (ANI): Texas Governor Rick Perry has asked Christians in the United States to turn to God for answers to the country's problems at a prayer rally in Houston, Texas.

Perry hosted what he called a national day of prayer, an event at Reliant Arena that drew roughly 30,000 people.

"Father, our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see anger in the halls of government and, as a nation, we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us," CBS News quoted Perry, as saying.

Perry said that the event, that was shown live in 1,000 churches around the country, was not political, but rather aimed at rallying the nation to a Christian unity during difficult times.

Critics of the event had argued that it inappropriately mixed religion and politics.

Perry, however, dismissed the criticism, saying that public leaders needed to keep their faith close at hand.

"We pray for our nation's leaders, Lord, for parents, for pastors, for the generals, for governors, that you would inspire them in these difficult times," he said.

"Father, we pray for our president, that you would impart your wisdom upon him, that you would protect his family," he added.

Perry also prayed for the US troops killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

The moment gave Perry a national spotlight before a pivotal voting group in the Republican nomination fight, as he nears a decision on whether to run for president. (ANI)