Denzel Washington: "There's never been a time where God didn't direct, protect, and correct me"

Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington star of many hits including "Glory," "Remember the Titans," "The Book of Eli" and "Training Day" has sounded like a pastor when he took to the podium at recent events.

He made headlines as the guest speaker for Dillard University's graduating class this spring and encouraged graduates to "put God first."

The actor expressed similar sentiments last weekend at the Church of God in Christ's annual "We Care" Charities Banquet in St. Louis, Missouri where he testified of God's faithfulness, even when he has fallen short.

"There's never been a time where God didn't direct, protect, and correct me," Washington passionately attested. "There may have been times where I was less than faithful to Him, but he had faith in me."

Washington has maintained his faith throughout his successful mainstream career and has not shied away from sharing it, publicly saying that he reads the Bible every day.

While onstage at the "We Care" event, Washington vowed that from that point on in his life he would make a conscious effort to "get up and speak about what God has done" for him.

"Give thanks for blessings every day. Every day. Embrace gratitude. Encourage others. It is impossible to be grateful and hateful at the same time," he continued.

The member of Los Angeles Church of God in Christ continued with a public prayer that he frequently uses when speaking to groups.

"I pray that you put your slippers way under your bed at night, so that when you wake in the morning you have to start on your knees to find them. And while you're down there, say 'thank you,'" Washington implored.

According to FOX2 St. Louis, more than 1,000 people attended the "We Care" banquet, including gospel singer Cece Winans.

"Faith and optimism can add years to your life," Washington concluded in his address. "A bad attitude is like a flat tire. Until you change it, you're not going anywhere."

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Denzel Washington Minister of Movies

Denzel Washington, the multiple Oscar award winner, may be known for many of his gangster roles in movies like "Training Day" but the thespian is also adamant about sharing his love for Jesus Christ.

In an interview with GQ magazine, Washington opened up about his Christian values, telling the publication that he made sure to read his Bible every day.

"I read from the Bible every day, and I read my Daily Word," Washington revealed. "I read something great yesterday. It said, 'Don't aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.'"

The Christian actor also told the publication about his experience with feeling the Holy Spirit during a service at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

"That was thirty years ago, at the church I still attend. The minister was preaching, 'Just let it go.' I said, 'I'm going to go with it.'"

The acclaimed actor has remained vocal throughout the years about his Christian faith. In a previous interview with Beliefnet, Washington spoke about the importance of his spirituality in not only his life, but also his career.

"Spirituality is important in every aspect of my life," Washington said. "I mean, that's why I'm here. That's what I've been blessed to do."

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