On February 7th, there was a 67th National Prayer Breakfast at a large Hilton hotel’s International Hall. This event attracted many guests from 150 countries of the world, as well as representatives from the fifty U.S. states. Over three-and-a-half thousand participants united in prayer for the improvement of relationships based on the right relationship with Jesus. Unified prayer allows to tear down all barriers that divide people, countries, political parties, and much more.
Like never before, we need prayers for overcoming opposition that exists among the politicians who make the pursuit of benefit for the common citizens impossible. During this breakfast, the U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump gave an address. Vice-president, senators, and other leaders of churches government were also present. After the President finished his address, there was a prayer for blessing upon him. This was the first time in history of these prayer breakfast when two senators, James Lankford and Chris Coons, prayed over the President while holding their hands on his shoulders.
The first prayer breakfast took place in 1953 after which the idea of annual prayer meetings was spread around the world and, as result, over 180 groups was established in the world. Based on the teaching of Christ from Nazareth, Jesus became central in these fellowship groups around the world. People found mutual understanding, confidence, and hope for the future through their relationship with Jesus and each other which was what they discovered to be the secret of true friendship. Great things are achieved when people love God and as a result of that, become able to love each other. The Congress members regularly take part in organizing and supporting annual prayer breakfasts.
I also had an opportunity to be present at a prayer breakfast which was organized by the Ukrainian delegates. An ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S., consul, as well as two council deputies one of whom was our faithful brother, Pavel Unguryan. I was offered an opportunity to lead a prayer for Ukraine which I gladly did. The idea of prayer breakfasts became popular in many countries including Ukraine. Regular prayer breakfasts take place in the whole country on the level of a region, as well as city districts of major cities of the country.
I also had an opportunity to get to know many interesting people. I met and had fellowship with the president of Eurasia Mission, Sergey Rakhuba, as well as the chairman of the Ukrainian Association of Baptists on the East side of the U.S.- Roman Kapran.
Time passed by very quickly, and on the last day, before my departure to California, I discovered that the distance from the hotel to the White House is relatively close for a good walk. After going around the White House, I returned to the hotel for a final dinner where popular Christian singers including Chris Tomlin participated in leading worship. There was a testimony that Jesus changes lives and makes relationships lasting, and that He gives life meaning and purpose. I noticed how carefully people sitting at some tables were listening who by their external appearance seemed to be from the Muslim background.
Every participant of this breakfast was given a book, which had the word “Jesus” written in gold on its cover. This book contained the four Gospels, as well as the Book of Acts. Many of the listeners were able to hear the testimony of Christ for the first time and as they departed, they brought the Gospel where it is perhaps illegal. I pray that many participants of this prayer breakfast would meet and have personal relationship with Jesus. When we unite in prayer, we have the power of influence on society in which we live. Prayer is that privilege that Christians have in the whole world! Much prayer, much power! Prayer opens up the heavenly springs of blessings and makes the impossible possible!
Ivan Mileyev
Please click on the first slide to see photos in a bigger size
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