Back in 1942—the darkest days of World War II, members of the U.S. Congress were holding informal prayer meetings together hoping to stem the tide of American dead and wounded from the European and Pacific fronts. They prayed for victory over Nazi Germany and its allies, and for our men and women who were still in the midst of battle.
Fast forward 11 years: Dwight D. Eisenhower, former Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during the war had been elected President of the United States. The congressional prayer meetings had continued and in 1953 Eisenhower was invited to preside over what was to become the annual National Prayer Breakfast.
Over the years, invitees have come from every state and almost every country to take part. Famous speakers and leaders of prayer have included humanitarian Mother Teresa, rock star Bono, and evangelist Billy Graham.
Following this example, in 1993 Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith called together religious leaders and others to hold the city’s first Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast. This annual gathering continues to uphold the principles and spirit of its national forerunner. Each year our Prayer Breakfast honors a local ministry that exemplifies the description of prayer given in Isaiah 58, i.e., “to loose the chains of injustice… to set the oppressed free and break every yoke… to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…”
All of us at UNITE INDY are honored by the invitation to be recognized as this year’s Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast recipient of the Isaiah 58 Project. To be named in the company of those honored in past years, like Gleaners Food Bank, Shepherd Community Center, and Wheeler Mission, is a distinction that is both exciting and humbling.
This powerful meeting is planned for October 12 at 7:15 AM at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. It will be a gathering of people of faith from all over Central Indiana who believe in the power of prayer to change our city and our world. If there ever was a time for prayer, the time is now.
With thanks,
Nancy
Join us! Register for the Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast here!
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