What a Group of Christians Did to Counter a Satanic Prayer at a Public Meeting

A Satanist who asked to offer the invocation prayer at a Pensacola city council meeting was not the only one praying at the July 14 meeting.

Christians attending the same meeting began reciting the Lord's Prayer once the satanic prayer began, according to a local TV station report.

David Suhor, co-founder of the local Satanic Temple delivered the invocation. As he approached the podium to pray, the crowd stood and began the Lord's Prayer.

WEAR-TV reporter, Allie Norton, captured the night's events on video and posted them to her Twitter.

Happening now @weartv pic.twitter.com/zVf77ozHc2

— Allie Norton (@AllieWEAR) July 14, 2016

In efforts to restore order, council president Charles Bare asked the crowd to be quiet or they would be removed from the chamber. Pensacola police had to escort several people out.

Police are escorting people out of the meeting. @weartv #NWFL pic.twitter.com/WeSvkWA80X

— Allie Norton (@AllieWEAR) July 14, 2016

Bare cautioned Suhor: "If you deviate away from what I feel is a proper invocation speech, I will have you removed from the chamber."

Suhor proceeded with his invocation. Councilman Gerald Wingate walked out as Suhor began.

Councilmember Wingate walks out of the meeting. Invocation is over now. @weartv pic.twitter.com/eXSml3UyAL

— Allie Norton (@AllieWEAR) July 14, 2016

The Christian crowd continued to pray the Lord's Prayer - quieter the second time.

Suhor returned to the podium later for public comment on the ability to exercise his constitutional right of religious freedom.

David Suhor now talking during public comment. He says the city council brought this upon themselves. @weartv pic.twitter.com/wt8CzYFECM

— Allie Norton (@AllieWEAR) July 14, 2016

He urged the council to enact a moment of silence, which would "let everyone pray or not, according to their own conscience." 

Waiting for his turn, Suhor held a sign with "Matthew 6:5-6" written on it.

Suhor holding the sign during public comment. Most are taking the opportunity to share their faith in God. @weartv pic.twitter.com/wlNx8UHyeY

— Allie Norton (@AllieWEAR) July 14, 2016

Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV):

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

The council has yet to announce that they will eliminate prayer and replace it with a moment of silence.