Elvis Presley 'always turned to God whenever he needed help', says stepbrother

The stepbrother of Elvis Presley wants to tell the world how important Christianity was to the King of Rock n' Roll. 

Billy Stanley goes into detail about the superstar's Christian faith in his new book, The Faith of Elvis, coming out in October. 

In an interview with the Observer newspaper about his famous stepbrother, Stanley said the music legend used to pray to God before every concert because it helped settle his nerves.

He remembered the two praying together at bedtime when he was a child and Elvis reading him Bible stories. 

He also recalls Elvis singing gospel songs at home. 

When it came to praying before shows, Stanley said that Elvis "always turned to God whenever he needed help".

"I asked him once, 'Why do you say the prayer before [each show]?' He said: 'It kind of settles my nerves but also I want God to help bless this concert, so make it a good one,'" Stanley said. 

Stanley said he wants to shed more light on Presley's Christian faith so that people can see past the "glitz and glamour". 

"Elvis was so appreciative of what the Lord had given him. He thanked God every day and constantly sought God's guidance through prayer and reading the Bible," he said. 

The 16 August will mark the 45th anniversary of Elvis' death. He died at Graceland on 16 August 1977 when he was 42.

Stanley's mother was Davada 'Dee' Stanley, the second wife of Elvis' dad, Vernon Presley. 

News
Arrest of Christians in Egypt over TikTok comedy video condemned
Arrest of Christians in Egypt over TikTok comedy video condemned

The arrest of six young Christians in Egypt over a TikTok video recreating a scene from a comedy film has been condemned by religious freedom and human rights organisations.

Churches urged to tackle loneliness by making friendship a priority
Churches urged to tackle loneliness by making friendship a priority

Churches are being encouraged to put friendship at the heart of their ministry as concerns grow over rising loneliness in society and within congregations themselves.

Micah 6:8: Walking humbly with God in the ordinary everyday life
Micah 6:8: Walking humbly with God in the ordinary everyday life

God is already present. The question is: will we live conscious of His presence?

Christians calls on British Medical Association to drop opposition to NHS trans guidance
Christians calls on British Medical Association to drop opposition to NHS trans guidance

The BMA is “deeply concerned" the guidance is "exclusionary to trans and non-binary staff and patients”. Christian Concern says guidance should be determined by biological sex.