INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Justin Bieber Leads Prayers At L.A. Show For Terror And Earthquake Victims In Paris, Japan

By Page Mackinley
Published on: 00:24 PST, Nov 14, 2015

Justin Bieber led thousands of fans in prayer for victims of the Paris terrorist attacks during one of his shows in Los Angeles to mark the official debut of his new Purpose album on Friday.

The singer released his critically acclaimed album Purpose on November 13, which he celebrated with three shows billed as “An Evening With Justin Bieber” at L.A.’s Staples Center yesterday. The start times were staggered, with the first kicking off at 2.30 p.m. PT.

Bieber’s prayers took place at the second show, which began at 6 p.m. Just before a Q&A with the singer and longtime pal, Pastor Judah Smith, the pair brought the 18,000-strong audience together to pray for victims and survivors of an earthquake that struck Japan on Friday and victims of terrorist attacks in Paris, France.

Pastor Smith spoke to the fans first, saying Justin’s “entire project is about people finding purpose even in the midst of their pain,” before asking fans to join them in prayer for “families in France and prayers in Japan.”

Bieber then prayed aloud, saying, “God, we just thank you so much. Through all the pain, through all the darkness, God, you still shine your light, God.”

The singer went on, “Help us to just focus on you through it all and not be distracted, God.”

Justin also acknowledged that when “things are out of our control,” it can be hard to trust.

He continued, “We just pray for their families and pray for restoration and just peace. I know…it must be so tough for them — I couldn’t even imagine. But, God, we just, we thank you and we just trust you. Even though it’s hard, and it’s hard for the families, we just trust you. In your name we pray, amen.”

As news of Bieber’s prayer spread, some online users took to Twitter praising the singer for thinking of the victims and survivors in Paris and Japan.

During Bieber’s first show, which was livestreamed, news of terrorist attacks in Paris began emerging around the world. At least 100 people were reportedly shot after being taken hostage at the Bataclan concert hall where the band Eagles of Death Metal played a gig.

Other victims died in a reported suicide bomb blast near the Stade de France (France Stadium). There were also gun attacks at city centre restaurants. France’s government went on to declare a national state of emergency as police, military, and medical services dealt with the attacks.

Back at L.A.’s Staples Center, Bieber was clearly unaware of these events while he performed and hosted onstage at his afternoon concert. But, shortly after, three related posts were shared at the Justin Bieber twitter account.

The singer, or someone with access to the heartthrob’s account wrote, “Had a great first show but just heard about what happened in Paris. Thoughts and prayers with everyone #PrayForParis.”

The next tweet let fans know Bieber’s second event at the Staples Center (pre-scheduled to start at 6 p.m. PT), would still go ahead as planned with the livestream, “to hopefully bring some light & hope to those hurting.” That tweet was later deleted. According to our sources, other members of Team Bieber have access to the singer’s Twitter account.

A third tweet related to the terrible events in Japan and France was shared at Bieber’s Twitter account. “PrayForParis #PrayForJapan.”

Music trade, Billboard, report they saw “extra security and police arriving as a precautionary measure” at the Biebs’ first show at the Staples Center.

A third show took place at 9 p.m. Bieber and Pastor Smith held a Q&A at each. Fan also saw previews of short films for songs on the singer’s Purpose album.

Justin was walked out to the stage by pal and retired champion boxer, Floyd Mayweather, in a reversal of their usual roles.

The singer also sang a set of acoustic songs at each show, including worldwide smash “What Do You Mean?,” “Sorry,” “Love yourself,” and “Boyfriend.”

Bieber fans in the crowd recorded the moments and shared them on social media.

Will Smith’s son, Jayden Smith performed 2011 hit “Never Say Never” with Justin on stage.

Justin cried during his performance of “I’ll Show You,” which he performed laying down. The Purpose cut, talks about the singer’s experience of being targeted by tabloids and gossip press, and his feelings of isolation, alienation, and vulnerability.

The Canadian famously broke down during his MTV VMA’s performance. He also recently revealed he suffers from depression, in an interview with NME magazine.

Amid his tears, the singer poked fun at himself saying “Why am I crying so hard? Got to get it together Justin,” before telling the screaming crowd, “We’re in this together, you know.”

Leaving the stage early due to his tears, Justin was embraced by longtime manager, Scooter Braun.

JB

Justin also bust out the heart hands that were a big feature of his early shows.

“When we do this. It symbolizes the love that we share,” he told the audience, adding, “Never too old to throw up the heart.”

After his last Staples Center show, Bieber shared numerous tweets thanking fans and the Center. He also posted a snap at his Instagram account showing a peace sign around a representation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The singer’s caption reads, “My love prayers and thoughts are with the families of this horrible tragedy. #prayforparis.”

https://instagram.com/p/-DVzaWgvu5/?taken-by=justinbieber

[Image via Getty Images for Def Jam]

Share this article: Justin Bieber Leads Prayers At L.A. Show For Terror And Earthquake Victims In Paris, Japan
justin bieber
More from Inquisitr