(Image Source: Perry Response USA)

BY ERIK SHUTE
ANCHOR AUSTIN KIM

You're watching multisource politics video news analysis from Newsy. 

If the U.S. can’t rely on a debt ceiling, or taxes, or the private sector -- what’s left? God? Texas Governor Rick Perry thinks so.
In Houston on Saturday, Perry played host to a massive gathering to pray for the economy.

It’s called The Response. Here’s Perry in his own words.

“As an elected leader I’m all to aware of government’s limitations when it comes to fixing things that are spiritual in nature. That’s where prayer comes in -- and we need it more than ever... That’s why I’m calling on Americans to prayer and fast like Jesus did...”
 

The Response was planned in coordination with the American Family Association. The thousands of followers expected to make the pilgrimage to Reliant Stadium will come to pray for the economy and ask for
mercy in job growth.

The Austin American Statesman explains how this -- could push Perry into a position for President.

“The event is likely to garner widespread media attention, and what Perry and others say today could define him to voters.”
 

...and James Henson of the Texas Politics Project adds,

“When Republican caucuses and primaries begin months from now, evangelical voters may fondly remember that Perry took heat for the event but stuck with it.”

Reliant Stadium in Houston holds 71,500 visitors, and with only a handful of protesters gathered outside on Friday -- who’s actually coming? MSNBC’s Christian Matthews asks-- are the faithful coming -- or quote- the ‘fringe.’

“Just how many seats are available in the stadium? It can hold 71,500 people? Roughly 6,300 -- actually, 63,500 seats still available. That's a bit ironic since the event is entitled ‘the response’ -- if that’s a response, what do you call a ‘regret?’”
 

Rice University Professor Bill Martin tells CNN, Perry will carry this all the way to the Presidential nomination.

“Having an event like this will be brought up again and again. His opponents will say he does not represent the separation of church and state.”
 

Finally -- in Perry’s defense, Reverend Doug Stringer says the Republican governor was only a catalyst for the event.

REPORTER: “The governor is holding a christian event.”
REV. STRINGER: “The governor is not holding the event.
REPORTER: “He's the initiator according to the website.”
REV. STRINGER: “He trumpeted and made a declaration we need a day of fasting and prayer and asked the church to respond to that. The church is responding to that trumpet call.” (CNN)

Transcript by Newsy.