Mitt Romney: 'I Pray Every Day'

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Mitt Romney rarely talks about his faith in detail, but if he becomes the GOP presidential nominee, he will be the first Mormon to have done so, and he will be one step closer to becoming the nation's first Mormon president.

The Huffington Post asked Romney in an interview Thursday what kind of daily routine he conducts to keep himself spiritually grounded, a topic past presidents and presidential candidates have discussed at length. George W. Bush, for example, often spoke about how he would try to read the Bible daily and pray.

Romney said he does something similar with the Mormon scriptures, which include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and two other "canonized" books that are also referred to as "standard works."

Romney paused for a moment before describing his routine.

"Let's see, how would I describe this? Let's see," he said. "I read scripture regularly, and seek the counsel of my creator on a daily basis."

"I pray every day. I don't read scriptures every day, probably should," he added.

Ann Romney, who sat on the couch in the Romney campaign bus next to her husband fiddling with an iPad, held up the device, prompting an exclamation from Mitt.

"There we go, just did. I got them on my iPad," he said. "I should probably read scriptures every day, but I read them frequently, but not every day."

"Sometimes I read to him. If we're on the phone, I will read him chapters," Ann Romney said with a smile.

"But I go to church every Sunday," Romney said brightly.

Read part 1 of Romney's interview with The Huffington Post, where he compares President Obama to Marie Antoinette, and part 2, where he says he's "not a Wall Street guy."

Comments

[foreverkramm]

05:55 PM on 01/05/2012

I don't think that being republican clashes in any way with being a Latter-day Saint. There are beehives in the symbolism in the architecture of The Latter-day Saint Architecture and History. It emphasizes the importance of being industrious. The sweet taste of success is an amazing motivator for people. I know with my own experience this to be evident. The Church welfare takes care of the folks in need too. We have amazing programs and a mind boggling reach when it comes to good works. One of my favorite Hymns says "You have a work that no other can do, do it so bravely so kindly so well.. Angels with hasten the story to tell." We believe that God has a plan for us and that he wants us to seek learning out of all good books and the the Holy Ghost can testify the truthfulness of all things. As for a Mormon running for or holding public office, it is not a new thing either.. Did you know that Joseph Smith ran for President? As for what the Mormon Faith believes.. look it up at LDS.org or mormon.org it's all there, no secret. I would not choose a candidate because of their religious faith but I respect a man who is morally upright and has a respect for a higher power.

[Godstuff]

05:06 AM on 01/30/2012

"I respect a man who is morally upright and has a respect for a higher power"

Yes, like so many others that don't freely think for themselves.

See you on planet Kolob

[Janadele]

01:11 PM on 01/02/2012

Latter-day Scriptures include the King James version of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants... all Scripture from Jesus Christ. Mitt Romney does not have to, nor will he, rethink his position nor apologise for the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he is a member.

[Maybelline McKelvey]

10:40 PM on 01/02/2012

Precisely. Stand firm. You are not alone.

[ManhattanMC]

08:53 PM on 01/03/2012

LOL

IOW good recitation of the dogma-your peer group gives it's approval.

[ManhattanMC]

08:51 PM on 01/03/2012

You do know that 27% of your Book of Mormon is plagiarized directly from the KJV bible complete with anachronisms and other translation errors, no? And that doesn't include obvious thefts with names changed like 'Alma the younger' being a retelling of Saul of Tarsus.
You do know that Joseph Smith's 'translation' of the 'book of Abraham' into part of the "Pearl of Great Price" has been shown to be an utter fraud, no?

Anyone who uncritically accepts the tall tales of Mormonism is either simply not smart enough or intellectually honest enough to be president.

[Jerry Aripez]

11:44 AM on 01/02/2012

Mitt , you got that right, with your company and you , you do pray on people everyday....

[JohnnyLingo62]

12:11 PM on 01/03/2012

mispelling alert --- the word you meant to write, I assume, is spelled P-R-E-Y quite different from what you spelled. Just trying to help you out...

[Jerry Aripez]

12:19 PM on 01/03/2012

got it and that is what I was putting in...sometime the spell check it is easy to choose the wrong one in the drop list...thanks...

[universe traveler]

04:08 PM on 01/01/2012

My only question to my Mormon brothers and Sisters is this. You know the Bible is the word of God and so is the Book of Mormon. So then, why are many of you continuing to support the GOP. You know very well that no party is perfect both Democrats and Republicans have lots to answer. But good grief, between the two, the GOP does not seem to reflect the christian values of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. both Mosiah and Alma heavely preach against riches when the riches are not fairly shared with the poor. I beg you, think very deeply before you cast your next vote. As you know, perfection is only to be found in God, but then again think very deeply and pray about it before voting for the GOP that has very little Christian values. Thank you, this is all I wanted to say. Of course at the end, you will do what your conscience will dictate to you.

[Dave Morrison]

12:48 PM on 01/02/2012

universe traveler - This may surprise you, but the GOP is not against the redistribution of wealth. The GOP, however, is different from the Dems in that the GOP think that redistribution should be done voluntarily, the Dems think that the government should force redistribution.

[universe traveler]

03:09 PM on 01/02/2012

Dave, thank you very much for your reply to my comments. I see things in a different way. I believe Government should be responsible for his less fortunate citizens. As I believe, that in time of war, every able citizen should stand up and fight for liberty and freedom. It is my opinion, that as a Nation, we cannot be individualistic in our goals, but work all toghether for the welfare of all, not just the few. That means, living wages, mandated by federal rules and a good basic healthcare, for those who cannot afford the incredible high private medical insurances. We can find zillions for the military, I am sure we can also find zillions to care for our own citizens. Stop to greed and useless wars.

[Maybelline McKelvey]

10:42 PM on 01/02/2012

Are you aware that Harry Reid is also Mormon. It's a very diverse faith.

[universe traveler]

09:43 AM on 01/03/2012

Dear friend, Yes, I am fully aware that Mr. Reed is a great guy and a Mormon. The troubling feeling is when most of the Hierarchy back in SLC HQ, continue to support the GOP, a party with very little christian compassion. Now that to me, is very, very troubling, since they Hierarchy is supposed to receive guidance from a Higher Source...??????. I do not want to judge, but it just does not make any sense.

[peacedude]

02:25 PM on 01/01/2012

What is disappointing to me is that some of you are clearly here to malign Mitt, not for his politics, but for his religion. I can’t help but feel that those who do so (left and right) are more concerned about their special interest than they are for the Country. Clearly some activists are trying to divide and conquer without concern for our nation or the world.

Using double-standards and dishonesty to negatively paint my religious minority is not what is best for anyone, especially when it is for political gain.

My family is mixed (African American, white and some Native American). It is especially discouraging to see so many people accusing us of being something other than what we are (can't use the term). It is not honest and I'm tired of it. It sounds like you all need to watch the Alex Boye' Christmas special on BYU tv, it's called "The song that changed my life." Don't be afraid. Gladys Knight isn't the only one you know. You are accusing all of us. There are also some really good articles on FAIR can't type the entire name, but search Juliann Reynolds he is a brother at FAIR and you should find some accurate info on members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The Mormons I know are kind, Christian, and more educated than most Americans.

[peacedude]

02:16 PM on 01/01/2012

I’m a factory worker. The company I work for is close to losing 20,000 jobs due to mismanagement and greed. Our biggest competitor was recently bought out by a Mexican company. I’ve been supportive of Obama, and of some of the “occupy” protestors, and of some of the Tea Party. I don’t know who I will vote for, but, as far as I can tell, Obama has done nothing to help the working man. He has come out in support of the banker who epitomizes everything that the occupy movement is protesting and Obama seems to know more about what happened to the lost billion than anyone. He also should know what has happened to the lost trillions. Obama and Newt are no less privileged than Mitt, and both are classic flip-floppers (see U-turn President). They are part of the problem. Mitt might be also, but, so far, he is the only one I can see that has the experience to come in and fire the greedy people who have created this bankrupted mess. I honestly don’t know if I will vote for Mitt, but ask that we don’t let petty anti-religious feelings decide the fate of our country. (Can’t say the word that truly defines it). We are all Americans. We need to work on this together. It is not wise to refuse to look into anything, and to vote for the person on your team, regardless of what it will do to America.

[coltakashi]

06:10 PM on 12/31/2011

Anyone who pontificates on the Book of Mormon (the actual book, not the obscene musical) without actually reading it is clearly too lazy to have an opinion worth reading.

The Book of Mormon proclaims on its title page that its purpose is to declare that "Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations." The name Jesus Christ is used more often in the Book of Mormon than in the New Testament. It emphasizes that Christ's atoning sacrifice is the only means by which mankind can be reconciled to God. The Book of Mormon asserts that the Bible is true, that Christ is truly a resurrected being and the Son of God, and that he will some day return to earth to reign as its creator, Jehovah.

Now maybe that bothers you atheists, but it ought to sound familiar to any Christian. That is what Mormons are, too.

[psalm2eightwilks]

11:00 PM on 12/31/2011

In the Holy Bible Paul said in Galatians 1:6-9 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Joseph Smith claims that an angel came to him in the woods and gave him the "revelation" for what is called Mormonism.

There is no way any who reads the Holy Bible can agree with the theology of Mormonism nor can honestly profess that the Book of Mormon is correct.

That theology can be ripped up and down. Its not solid and it has no foundation. Galatians 1:6-9 is only one scripture that can be used...I can give you plenty more....

[Idaho Farm Boy]

12:35 PM on 01/01/2012

The scripture in Galatians to which you referred mentions preaching "ANY OTHER GOSPEL" than that which Paul and the other apostles had preached. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the SAME GOSPEL taught by the ancient apostles which has been RESTORED following the Great Apostacy.

I invite you to do some legitimate research, study and praying to find WHO appeared, WHERE, on WHICH OCCASIONS, and for WHAT PURPOSES. Don't rely on reading or hearing anti-Mormon misinformation and outright falsehoods. Actually read the Book of Mormon, then as quoted therein, "...ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." Note the requirement to read with a "sincere heart, with real intent" to find the truth.

[familymanLDS]

01:11 PM on 01/02/2012

May I ask you? Paul was an apostle to which Church? The Church of Jesus Christ. Do you know of any church that has the Savior's name, and that has apostles and prophets, like the pattern established by Jesus Himself. Yes, he established His Church, and it is described in Ephesians 4:11-14. That is only one point, but it is worth thinking about.

[coltakashi]

06:03 PM on 12/31/2011

Many Protestants use Bible translations other than the KJV. There were English translations before the KJV, and many since. And of course the original languages were Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.

One of the reasons Mormons use the KJV alongside the Book of Mormon is that they have similar styles of speech, and it is easier to see the parallels using the KJV translation which was used in 1830 when the Book of Mormon was published. Mormons are free to read and consuot other translations of the Bible, and of course half the Mormons speak Spanish and other languages so don't use the KJV by definition. In Japan we used the standard Japan Bible Society translation which was based on the Luther German Bible.

[coltakashi]

05:58 PM on 12/31/2011

Mitt Romney, during ten years when he was just getting started as a business consultant and manager of the Bain Capital investment company, was asked by his church to serve as a leader of the congregation where he lived in Boston. After five years, he was asked to lead the grup of congregations in the Boston area. Her was devoting over 1,000 hours a year to unpaid service to Mormons in and around Boston, including Haitian immigrants and Cambodian refugees. He aided the unemployed and poor with financial aid and food provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Much of the food is grown by donated Mormon labor on church farms across the US, so it can be given to the poor and people hit by disasters like Hurricane Katrina. The funds are gathered the first Sunday of each months, when Mormons fast from food for 24 hours and donate the food money saved to the Fast Offering fund. Romney also counseled people with marital and spiritual crises. He asked fellow members of the church to staff other unpaid leadership and teaching positions. The Mormons don't have a paid clergy, so unlike some churches, no Mormon gets rich from preaching. Like Romney, Mormon leaders are part timers who support themselves from regular jobs.

[coltakashi]

05:36 PM on 12/31/2011

Reporters ought to visit the Mormon congregation whose geographic boundaries include the White House, and find out what the Romneys will be doing on Sundays when they are in town.

Mormons attend "wards" of 400 to 500 people based on where they live. Each Mormon meetinghouse accommodates two to four different wards, with overlapping schedules. When one ward is done with its general worship service (called "Sacrament Meeting"), it adjourns to Sunday School classrooms for different age groups, while another ward moves in to hold its own worship service in the chapel. Sunday School is followed by meetings for the adult men, adult women, teenage boys and teenage girls, a total of three hours in three meetings.

You can find out which ward the Romneys would attend by going to Mormon.org and asking for the Mormon meetings that serve 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

[peacedude]

11:12 AM on 12/31/2011

I'm not sure how to write this without getting flagged, but I want to try to tell the truth about Mitt's religion. I've known many members and they are much more open, progressive, educated, and have less pre-judgement than most. I think there are people who are here full-time, some paid, to malign his faith. They are on both the far right and far left and they are perfectly willing to repeat things that they know are not true.

[rockysparks]

11:01 AM on 12/31/2011

I think it's great that Romney prays every day. Lots of people do. I still wouldn't vote for most of them for president. And I definitely wouldn't vote for Romney.

I do hope he prays away his addiction to making $10,000 gambling bets ...

[peacedude]

10:50 AM on 12/31/2011

Seems that prejudice and misunderstanding prevail among extremists on the left and right. I can't help but think that some are paid to encourage hatred toward religious minorities. I've seen so much misinformation posted about Mitt Romney, and especially about his religion, that I'm beginning to wonder what we have become.

Some facts: I've encountered many people in my lifetime, and Mormons are not perfect, but they are more kind and Christian, less racist and bigoted and more educated than most.

[nnanciejean]

09:17 AM on 12/31/2011

I think it's great that he prays everyday. So do I. I pray and give thanks for all the blessings in my life.

[xghostarro]

11:56 PM on 12/30/2011

I will have all of you know that Mormons in fact DO pray to God, and are not polygamists. Polygamists were so long ago, no one does it, its AGAINST our religion. Its not practiced in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Romney is from the church of Jesus christ.. Hence JESUS CHRIST. Im aghast and dismayed from all of your remarks. All of you are insulting and know absolutely nothing about our religion. Learn about the religion before you say something, and go visit the actual church. Dont just read lies from the internet, go ask an actual LDS member of the church. His religion is not crazy what so ever. No one makes fun of your beliefs, do they? Dont go hating on other peoples. You shouldn't refer to him as 'that mormon'. We are not against blacks, what are you talking about? All you people are crazy. We do not only think of ourselves, we help other people. That is part of our religion. To serve. JUST because he is mormon does not mean you shouldn't vote. Everyone has their own beliefs. So what if he prays? So does a lot of the USA. Several other books? Mormons ONLY believe in the King James version of the Bible plus the Book of Mormon which are stories from other prophets. Learn. Trust him. Before you judge other people, learn FACTS about it. and dont judge people because of a religion.

[1Curious1]

12:49 AM on 12/31/2011

If Mormons are to serve others, how can they be so steeped in the repub party? ...the party that favors corporations over american citizens? ...the party that says it favors personal freedoms and does everything in it's power to take those freedoms away (patriot act, a woman's right to be in control of her own body, freedom of religion, etc.)? I'm truly curious.

[nnanciejean]

09:15 AM on 12/31/2011

Why dont you ask Reid? He's a Mormon.

[xghostarro]

12:36 PM on 12/31/2011

A woman is free of her own party. The church just says it is not appropriate for women to be hanging their breasts everywhere, where their body is sacred. What if you saw a trashy woman? What would you think of her? Everyone has personal freedoms, the church just says what you shouldn't do because its harmful. No smoking, obviously thats harmful. No alcohol, you could become addicted, also its not good to partake into your body. There is freedom of religion, obviously, but if they want to be Mormon, they chose it. Everyone has their own freedom. The church wont punish you if you do those things. All of the rules clearly make sense. Like the 10 commandments? All makes sense. Dont kill, dont be involved in bad things? No swearing? The church doesn't want you to be involved with swearing. Is it appropriate? No. Everyone has their own freedom, you wont get in trouble. Its with God. it just teaches you what shouldn't be done, doesn't mean you have to.

[rockysparks]

11:02 AM on 12/31/2011

Thanks, but if I want a Mormon, I'll stick with Donny Osmond. At least he can sing and dance ...