Pop megastar Justin Bieber has encouraged his Instagram followers to engage in a “guided prayer” led by Seattle megachurch pastor, Judah Smith.
“This is a guided prayer,” Bieber wrote on the caption to the video. “Find a comfortable position and enjoy this experience.”
The prayer starts with 2 Corinthians 4:17:
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
Smith then begins on a commentary of the verse, assuring followers of Jesus that the affliction they are facing will not go on forever.
“This pain we are experiencing on this planet that touches us all will not last forever,” Pastor Smith explained. “We will go to forever someday and forever will be filled with the love of our heavenly father, our God and our creator.”
Judah went on to declare that God is “actively involved in our lives even in the midst of pain.”
“You’re a good father who helps his children through pain and problems. Can you close your eyes right now and see the face of your heavenly father toward you? I believe that will give you and me endurance in the midst of our pain.”
Smith then transitions into a section of prayer called “surrender.”
“God, help me to see past my pain. Help me see those facing what I’m facing. Soften my heart towards my friends in pain,” the pastor says. “God, we’re asking that even in the middle of our pain and problems, you would help us to serve and see others.. and we thank you for this.”
“These light momentary afflictions are giving way to a far exceeding weight of glory, that is to be with you forever. Grant us this perspective and thank you for these moments together,” Smith concluded. “Amen.”
The video has garnered over 1.2 million views in just 12 hours.
Bieber has been compellingly honest about his mental health struggles in recent months but has been openly turning to God through the difficulty.
“It’s hard to get out of bed in the morning with the right attitude when you are overwhelmed with your life, your past, job, responsibilities, emotions, your family, your finances, relationships,” the singer wrote on Instagram at the start of the month.
“Luckily, God blessed me with extraordinary people who love me for me,” he said. “Now I am navigating the best season of my life ‘MARRIAGE’ !! Which is an amazing, crazy, new responsibility,” he shared. “You learn patience, trust, commitment, kindness, humility, and all of the things it looks like to be a good man. All this to say even when the odds are against you, keep fighting. Jesus loves you. Be kind today, be bold today and love people today, not by your standards but by God’s perfect unfailing love.”
Last month, Bieber took the stage of Smith’s LA church campus and led the congregation in worship.
“I never would have made it without you,” the singer roared during the set. “Now I see that you were there for me!”
“We first met when Justin was, like, eight or something in Toronto and he’s always been a worshiper and it’s a lot of who he is,” Smith explained. “I want to be part of a church where everybody gets a fair shake in using their gift to contribute to the community. Far be it from me to stand in the way of someone who clearly has a gift to lead worship.”