It’s been over two years since we’ve been able to come together in person for the Annual Christian Prayer Breakfast. The last time that the Christian Prayer Breakfast met in person, J. Warner Wallace used his cold-case investigative experience to take a closer look at the proof for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After not meeting in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, baseball legend and country music singer, Barry Zito, shared—through an online recorded message—the story of how his life was transformed when he understood how he was saved by grace through faith.
Like you, we’ve learned to be adaptable over the past two years. We’ve learned that serving our community can look different than it has in the past. Our virtual meeting in 2021 with Barry Zito provided a new opportunity to share the event with those who needed to hear about the way that Jesus changes lives. Bringing together men and women from across Fort Worth and Tarrant County, our annual event exists not only to hear from an inspiring speaker but to also pray for our local, state, and national leaders.
The Power of Gathering Together
We read in the Bible that we ought to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [by] not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV). Of course, the way we meet may change, whether it’s in-person, virtual, or even through one-on-one conversations.
There is power when believers in Christ gather, regardless of the forum. Matthew 18:20 (NIV) reminds us that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” That is why the Christian Prayer Breakfast is committed to supporting the spread of Jesus’ good news and lifting up our leaders and community to the Lord in prayer. Plans may change, and circumstances may make it difficult to gather. But we know that the prayers of believers can make a difference in our community, our state, and our nation.
So, as you make plans for 2022, we hope you’ll consider these three reasons to join us in person for the 35th Annual Christian Prayer Lunch, April 21, at noon.
1. It’s at a new time.
That’s right. There isn’t a typo in that last paragraph. This year’s event is a lunch, rather than a breakfast. This shift to noon may work better for you or others that just can’t make the normal morning breakfast work because of family or work commitments.
If you haven’t been able to join us before, please consider setting aside time in your schedule to be a part of this special time of prayer and inspiration. If you’ve been a part of the breakfast in the past as an attendee or table sponsor, think about who you’ve invited before that wasn’t able to make it because the morning just didn’t work for them. This might be the time to reach back out and invite them to this special lunch.
2. You’ll hear inspiring comedy from Michael Jr.
This year’s keynote speaker is comedian and author, Michael Jr. He is known as one of today’s most gifted communicators, and he brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world through his relatable and inspiring story. He grew up going to church with his grandmother, but God and church had no appeal to him early in his life. However, God was faithful to use the experiences in his life to set up a future with a unique (and funny) purpose.
You may have seen Michael Jr. on stages like NBC’s The Tonight Show, TEDx talks, or ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. While he was pursuing comedy, God was pursuing him. Michael’s mission is to make laughter commonplace in uncommon places. So, now he seeks opportunities to share his gift with those in places that may not normally get to hear comedy that can inspire, such as homeless shelters and prisons. When you hear Michael share his story you’ll learn that he is funny—for a reason.
You can check out Michael Jr. on his podcast, “Funny How Life Works,” or by reading his book by the same title. Here’s a look at his stand-up comedy and how he weaves together comedy and inspiring stories that can change the lives of those in his audience.
3. It’s an easy way to invite someone who needs to hear the good news of Jesus.
This lunch is an opportunity to invite that friend, family member, or colleague that you know needs to hear about Jesus. They may not be ready to walk through the doors of a church (or maybe they did and didn’t think it was for them), but they would be interested in lunch and hearing a comedian.
There’s probably someone that comes to mind that you think might want to come. Make that call. Send that text. Or fire off that email right now. Let them know that they’re on your mind, and you’d like them to join you for this special event. It may be the spark or the next step in a journey that leads them to ask questions about who God is, what Jesus did on the cross, and how salvation is possible.
Mark your calendars now, and plan to hear the inspiring comedy of Michael Jr., April 21, 2022, at noon, at Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. Get your tickets now, and watch the website for more event updates.
