Guy Penrod Leads Prayer at Charlie Kirk Memorial: “Lord, Give Him Back to Us”

In a moment that left hundreds in tears, gospel music star Guy Penrod led a candlelit vigil outside Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, transforming a quiet evening memorial into a night of prayer, song, and collective mourning for the late Charlie Kirk.

A Night Lit by Candles

The vigil, held just days after Kirk’s assassination, drew mourners from across the state — families, students, and supporters carrying flowers, flags, and handwritten notes. As dusk fell, hundreds of candles flickered against the darkening sky, casting a soft, reverent glow over the crowd.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Guy Penrod stepped forward to the microphone. Dressed simply in a dark coat, the former Gaither Vocal Band singer took a deep breath and bowed his head before speaking.

“He’s Only 31, Lord”

Penrod’s voice shook as he began to pray.

“Father, we come before You tonight,” he said, his rich baritone quivering. “He’s only 31, Lord. We don’t understand why his time was cut short. But we trust You.”

Witnesses say the crowd was completely silent, save for a few quiet sobs. Then, as Penrod’s voice broke, the crowd began softly responding with “Amen,” their voices carrying through the warm night air.

From Prayer to Hymns

After several minutes, Penrod wiped his eyes, steadied himself, and began to sing softly:

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…”

The crowd quickly joined in, hundreds of voices rising together. Soon, the vigil became a powerful chorus of hymns — Amazing Grace, Because He Lives, and How Great Thou Art — each sung with raw emotion.

“It felt like heaven touched earth for a moment,” said one attendee. “People were crying, hugging strangers, holding hands. You could feel the Spirit in that place.”

Witnesses Describe a Sacred Moment

Many who were present described the evening as one of the most powerful gatherings they had ever experienced.

“When Guy started praying, it was like time stopped,” said a woman who traveled from Tucson with her family. “And when we started singing together, it felt like we were lifting Charlie’s name straight up to heaven.”

Others said the experience brought them a sense of peace after days of grief and anger. “I came here heartbroken,” one man said. “But tonight reminded me that faith is stronger than fear.”

Social Media Responds

Clips of Penrod’s prayer and the spontaneous hymn-singing quickly went viral, with hashtags like #GuyPenrodPrayer and #CandlelightForCharlie trending nationwide.

“Watching Guy Penrod break down and then lead hundreds in prayer was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever seen,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This was more than a vigil — it was church.”

Another posted: “That chorus of voices gave me chills. You could feel the hope rising out of the sorrow.”

A Message of Hope

Penrod later spoke briefly to reporters, explaining why he felt called to lead the crowd in prayer and song.

“Charlie cared about this country, and he cared about people,” Penrod said. “Tonight wasn’t about politics. It was about standing together, seeking comfort, and remembering what really matters.”

He encouraged those present to continue living out Kirk’s legacy through compassion and courage. “The best way we can honor him,” Penrod said, “is to keep loving, keep serving, and keep speaking the truth — even when it’s hard.”

A Community United

Faith leaders and community members who attended said the vigil provided a much-needed space for collective grieving. “When tragedy strikes, we need moments like this,” said Pastor Mark Ellison, who helped organize the gathering. “Moments where we can cry, pray, and remind each other that we are not alone.”

More Than a Memorial

For many in attendance, the night was more than just a remembrance of Charlie Kirk — it was a moment of recommitment. Attendees left the vigil talking about how they could be more present for their families, more engaged in their communities, and more willing to live out their values.

“I came to say goodbye,” one mourner said quietly. “But I left feeling like I had a mission.”

A Final Prayer

Before leaving, Penrod returned to the microphone one last time and offered a closing prayer:

“Lord, we trust You with Charlie. And we ask You to watch over his family, to comfort them tonight and in the days ahead. Help us be the light in a dark world.”

The crowd echoed a resounding “Amen,” and for a few moments, the only sound was the crackle of candles in the still night air.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, many lingered near the memorial, taking photos, leaving flowers, and singing softly. For those who were there, the image of Guy Penrod praying through tears, his voice breaking as hundreds of candles glowed, will remain etched in their hearts.

In a world often defined by noise and division, the vigil offered something rare: a moment of faith, unity, and healing — led by a man whose music has been a source of hope for millions.