Written by: Lisa Polson
Article source: JOY! Magazine
On the 6th of February I had the immense privilege of attending the 73rd National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) at the Washington Hilton in the USA. In a world so fractured by division, being among 2500 people from 120 nations, united in prayer and fellowship, was both deeply moving and profoundly encouraging.
A long-standing tradition
This high-profile gathering is held annually in Washington, D.C., bringing together lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum alongside global leaders from various social spheres, including politics, business, culture, and religion. President Dwight Eisenhower laid the foundation for this enduring tradition in 1953, recognising the vital role of faith in American public life. Since Eisenhower, every sitting US president has attended the prayer breakfast at least once during their time in office. The presidential speech is just one component of the gathering, which has evolved into a multi-day event run by the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation.
THE 2025 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
The presidential address was, of course, the most anticipated moment of the two-day gathering. Allow me to set the scene for you. It’s early Thursday morning, and the atmosphere in the international ballroom of the Washington Hilton is electric – a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air as attendees eagerly await the president’s arrival. I watch as waiters move almost mechanically between tables, serving breakfast to the 2500 guests – a fascinating sight in itself! I squeeze past an African delegate dressed in vibrant traditional attire, chatting with a Russian businessman, the newly acquainted friends exchanging numbers. Seating is allocated, fostering new connections and relationships with people one would probably have never crossed paths with otherwise.
A table of nations
Eventually, I find my way to my table, where I meet two new Muslim friends. Amir is a trader from Kazakhstan, and Wasim is a property developer from Canada. To my left sits pastor Chu from Taiwan, and to my right, Magoli, who runs a Christian leadership programme in Tanzania. Across from me is Michelle, a lively African American woman who works in tech. Then there is Igor, a Russian bishop who doesn’t speak English, sitting with his headphones on, ready to listen to the translator. A remarkably diverse group of people united for one simple purpose – prayer.
The moment everyone was waiting for
As Trump takes the stage, the room erupts in applause, and cell phones light up the air. The returning president, inaugurated just two weeks prior, had been signing executive orders at a rapid pace. No one really knew what to expect – and he didn’t disappoint.
Trump’s speech
In his opening remarks, president Trump addressed the state of faith in America, stating that religious freedom had suffered greatly in recent years. “We want to bring religion back – stronger, bigger, better than ever before,” he declared. “And this is a good start.” He went on to announce the creation of a new task force dedicated to combating anti-Christian discrimination within federal agencies, officially known as the task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.
Task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias
“The mission of this task force will be to immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible,” Trump stated. “The IRS, the FBI – terrible.” Led by attorney general Pam Bondi, the task force will be responsible for reviewing all federal departments and agencies to identify and eliminate any anti-Christian policies, practices, or conduct. Throughout his speech, Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting religious believers and ensuring that Christianity remains safeguarded in the public sphere.
White House faith office
Trump also announced the establishment of the White House faith office, dedicated to promoting religious freedom. Pastor Paula White, who served as a spiritual adviser to Trump throughout his previous presidency, will serve as head of the new office. He also reiterated his stance against “woke” ideology, which he claimed has been dismantled in the weeks since his inauguration.
Trump acknowledges divine intervention
He also recounted the recent assassination attempt, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He concluded with a resounding call to restore faith in the nation, vowing that under his leadership, America would be “stronger, prouder, freer, and more faithful to God than ever before”.
NOT JUST AN EVENT, BUT A MOVEMENT
According to the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, their vision is to promote and share the idea of gathering together “in the Spirit of Jesus of Nazareth.” They emphasise that all faiths are welcome, and that people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs can join together and encourage and promote forgiveness and reconciliation by looking to the life of Jesus. The purpose of these gatherings is to “…grow in personal relationship with God and bonds of friendship with each other, and to be an encouragement to one another as friends”. These friendships often transcend political differences and opposing views on national and international issues. As the foundation affirms, “It is with this spirit that we aim to be a vehicle of fellowship and connection through the life of Jesus.”
MY TAKEAWAY
The presidential address was certainly encouraging, but when I reflect on my two days at the National Prayer Breakfast, that’s not what stands out most. What lingers in my heart are the moments that marked me deeply – the divine moments of authentic human connection and the great stories of what God can do through those who boldly put their trust in Him. I remember the testimonies – real-life stories of unshakable faith and unspeakable joy in the face of intense persecution. Ministries born from extreme suffering, now providing food, guidance, and hope to those who once had none. I think about the well-known congressman who shared how his relentless drive and ambition nearly cost him his family and his health – then he met Jesus.
As can be expected, many different opinions, criticisms, and conspiracy theories exist about the National Prayer Breakfast. Only God truly knows the motives and intentions of the human heart. But what I do know is this – God responds when people humble themselves to pray, and I left with my heart singing His praises, in awe of what He is doing around the globe through willing vessels, reflecting on how I can love God and love my neighbour more.
This article is featured in the April issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 29/03/2025
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