Associated Press (excerpts):  Texas Governor Rick Perry sent a strong message to the nations evangelicals Saturday: he is a member of the important constituency for Republicans that he soon may call upon to help him secure the GOP presidential nomination.  The state's longest serving governor hosted what he called a National Day of Prayer, an event at Reliant Arena that drew roughly 30,000 people and that was broadcast on cable Christian channels and the internet nationwide, including in at least 1,000 churches.  "Father, our hearts break for America," Perry said in 12 minutes of remarks that included prayer and Bible passages - but no direct mention of politics or his presidential plans.  "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."  He asked Christians to turn to God for answers to the nations troubles and asked the audience to pray for the President, as well as for American troops killed in the weekend attack on a US helicopter in Afghanistan.  The moment gave Perry a national spotlight before a pivotal voting group in the GOP nomination fight - in the early voting states of Iowa and South Carolina in particular - as he nears a decision on whether to run for president.  His entrance in the field could shake up the contest before Perry could attract both social and economic conservatives at a time when the GOP electorate is unsettled with the current slate of candidates.  Many have been campaigning for months and are trying to break out of the pack.  Perry has been talking with potential donors, GOP operatives and party leaders about a possible run, but he has been tightlipped about just when he would announce a decision, although he plans to visit at least one early-voting state, South Carolina, over the next week.  He plans to keep what aides say is a long-held commitment to headline a conservative conference in Charleston, SC, on August 13, as well as meet with activists in the state scheduled to host the South's first primary.  The trip will put Perry in touch with voters and activists who would be influential to a Republican primary campaign, much like the Houston event on Saturday did.  Perry's audience Saturday was filled with people who sang with arms outstretched in prayer - and wept - as Christian groups played music on stage.  Perry himself huddled on stage in a prayer circle with several ministers who helped lead the event.  It was Perry's idea and was financed by the American Family Association, a Tupelo, Mississippi-based group that opposes abortion and gay rights, and believes in the First Amendment, freedom of religion.  "We feel that God moved on him to do this," said Gwen Courkamp of Houston, who plans to vote for Perry if he runs for president.  The governor earned high marks from attendee Justine Schaefer, who said, "He'd get my vote...  Today really impressed me. He showed that he is sensitive to the Lord's leading - to have this."  Critics argued the event - called The Response - inappropriately blended politics and religion.  Perry insisted that the event had no political motivation, though he did say during his remarks, "We pray for our nations leaders, Lord, for parents, for pastors, for generals, for governors, that you would inspire them in these difficult times."  The other speakers focused primarily on prayer and redemption, though politics seeped in at times, tied to social issue policy.  Dozens of people throughout the daylong event decried legalized abortion, while some also condemned gay marriage, although far fewer.  Protesters gathered outside the arena to condemn the event.  "The brand of Christianity being offered today is one of fear, and we want to let people know that God loves everyone, not to be afraid," said Dan De Leon, a pastor from the United Church of Christ in College Station, who wore his robe in near-100-degree heat.  Rodney Hinds who drove to Houston from Amarillo waved a sign at traffic demanding "Pastor Perry Must Resign" and said, "He abused the power of his office by calling this event from his office from his office as governor."  Whether that's true or not, this much is clear:  Perry may have laid down a marker on Saturday with social conservatives that would allow him to enter the race as a candidate focused on jobs, but with credibility voters value.  "He has the best record in the field on jobs and doesn't have to get off messages beefing up bona fides on social issues, since they are firmly established," said Mary Matalin, a former adviser during both Bush presidencies.  Given Texas's recent uptick in jobs, that combination could make Perry a potentially strong challenger to Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who leads in national polls and has business credentials, but leaves cultural conservatives questioning his sincerity on their issues.  

Commentary:  It was specifically noted in this article that "there was no direct mention of politics or his presidential plans," yet critics are quick to bash him by saying the event was a blend of politics and religion - just because he is a politician, I suppose, but that doesn't make it so.  Apparently, there are some that believe a governor shouldn't be able to attend the church or religious event of his choice!  I would say that's discrimination, since the rest of us in the United States can do it.  Is the governor not allowed to have a life?  This is a man of spiritual conviction and integrity, unlike most.  In fact, I recently sent him an email because of his open prayer during an earlier event, thanking him for making a stand and I encouraged him to run for president during the upcoming election - he would have my vote.  As I read this article today, it brought tears to my eyes and my heart was very moved; his prayers are earnest and he is faithful to God in the spotlight.  I love his boldness for God, which is rare in this world, especially in the political realm today.  If the writer of this article is so devoid spiritually that he/she believes praying for political officials is mixing politics and religion - that is ridiculously sad and pathetic!  All Christians pray for our political leaders, or at least we should.  And this "pastor" De Leon..., apparently he doesn't even know the scriptures.  Jesus said, "Fear not those who can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him (God) who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" Matthew 10:28.  Jesus also said, "I will forewarn you whom you should fear: Fear Him (God) who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell, yes, I tell you, fear Him" Luke 12:5.  Jesus does love everyone; He gave his life's blood for all of us.  Nevertheless, the Word of God tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." Psalm 111:10.  There seem to be charlatans on about every corner these days.  I hope this "pastor" learns the Word of God before he continues on in his current capacity.