Video: President Barack Obama visits Billy Graham just days after his rededication of library

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – President Barack Obama made an excursion today to see and pray with Billy Graham at his mountainside home in North Carolina.

It was the president’s first meeting with Graham, now 91-years-old, who just days before was seen at the rededication of the Billy Graham Library on April 20. 

Graham has counseled presidents as far back as Dwight Eisenhower.  He gave Obama two Bibles, one for him and one for the first lady. White House spokesman Bill Burton said Obama was, “extraordinarily gratified that he took the time to meet with him.”

Graham spokesman Larry Ross said Obama confided, like other presidents before him, how lonely, demanding and humbling the presidency can be. 

"That is a discussion that Mr. Graham has had with previous presidents who realize not only the demands but the loneliness of the job. And they're humbled by that," Ross said. "The only way one can do the job properly is to draw on spiritual resources."

Franklin Graham said his father and Obama did most of the talking. They reminisced about their roots in Chicago.

Graham went to Wheaton College and began some of his ministry in the region; Obama moved to Chicago after college and began his political career there. And they talked about golf.

"The conversation was very cordial, very nice," the younger Graham said. "When the president got ready to leave, the president prayed for my father, my father prayed for him."

Graham said his father prayed for the nation and that God would give Obama wisdom in his decisions. The president prayed to thank God for Billy Graham's life, Franklin Graham said.