Can faith unite and transform in a world broken by division and uncertainty? National Prayer Breakfast 2025 (Washington Hilton) provided an overwhelming answer rooted in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth. In a historic gathering of leaders from 120 countries, voices bring prayers, transcend political inequality and tolerate higher truths. Faith is not passive, it is a call to action.
Traditions rooted in faith and leadership
A very liberating and unforgettable experience.
Attending the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC on February 6th was a very liberating and unforgettable experience. Surrounded by representatives of various countries.
Since its inception, National Prayer Breakfast has been a bridge between faith, governance and leadership. President Dwight D. Eisenhower laid the foundation for this enduring tradition in 1953, acknowledging the important role of faith in American public life. “Without God, there would have been no form of American government or American lifestyle,” he declared, emphasizing the spiritual foundation of the nation.
His vision of integrating faith with leadership coincided with the mission of the event. It is to gather leaders “in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth.” What began as a small congressional meeting was recognized worldwide, attracting US presidents, world leaders and influential voices from diverse backgrounds.
The national prayer breakfast has risen over political divisions, reviving faith as united forces. It offers rare moments of collective reflection, calling on leaders to embrace compassion, humility and service.
Faith as a guide to leadership
It inspires leaders who re-acclaim their faith as the cornerstone of national unity and moral governance.
President Donald Trump spoke to the nation’s prayer breakfast this year. He emphasized his role as a peace supervision and unity. Concerned about its perception of decline, he announced the creation of a Presidential Committee on Religious Freedom, dedicated to protecting and strengthening this fundamental right. His message struck chords and inspired leaders to recreate their faith as the cornerstone of national unity and moral governance.
Servant Leadership: The Fundamental Repayment of Power
The world often equates leadership with status and control, but Jesus redeemed power as service. His spirit seeks ethical leadership. It is a government that serves those who support social responsibility, and a pastor who leads with humility rather than personal interest.
The Greco-Roman world operated in the relationship of patron clients, where power and influence relied on wealth and social connections. Jesus fundamentally disrupted this system and redeemed his leadership. This is not as domination, but as service. His claims about leadership through serving others stand in stark contrast to the general hierarchy, embodying a spirit of humility towards position and love for control.
Faith as a public witness
Nazareth’s faith in Jesus is not an abstract philosophy or a private retreat. It is a public witness that will change the world. “Let your light shine before others; they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Jesus calls on his followers and calls for them to be involved in politics, economics and social justice. Not a partisan agenda, but a kingdom ethics. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer argued that his book, The The Cost of Discipleship, “Only he believes he is obedient, only the obedient he believes.” Faith and action are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other.
Jesus’ Spirit is more than his divinity. It’s his way of life, his values, and his mission in history. He confronted oppression, rejected legalism, and broke social barriers. The Gospels reveal him as an embodiment of love of justice, inclusion, humility, and sacrifice. His spirit calls on today’s followers to live the same way. Challenge the world, resist injustice, and declare hope.
The Power of Prayer: A Call to Faith and Action
Prayer reminds us that God, not human ruler, rules history.
American national prayer breakfast is more than a ritual tradition. It is an act of deep faith, a charm to a living God, and we see, hear, and act. In a world where political power is often seen as absolute, prayer reminds us that God, not human rulers, rules over history. It is a call for dialogue between the nation and leaders, humanity and its creators.
Throughout the Bible, prayers for rulers are surrounded by trusting in God’s sovereignty rather than placing ultimate hope in the government on earth. 1 Peter 2:17 Advice the followers: “Show all the right respect, love the family of the followers, fear God, honor the Emperor.”
At the time, the emperor was likely Nero, notorious for persecuting Christians, but Peter still urged his followers to pray and respect for authority. This highlights important Bible truths. Prayers for the rulers are conditioned not on their righteousness, but on God’s command.
Recognizing God’s sovereignty over a ruler naturally leads to doubt: how should a believer react? The Bible provides clear guidance and instructs believers of Christ to pray for their leaders on the basis of pursuit of wisdom, justice and righteousness, not political loyalty.
Through intercession, Christians engage in spiritual advocacy, seeking the happiness of their communities and the moral clarity of those in power. ”
Purpose of praying for leaders
Praying for the ruler is not equivalent to unquestioning support of their policies and moral character. Instead, the Bible invites believers to pray in a specific kingdom-oriented petition.
For leadership wisdom (James 1:5). For justice and righteousness to prevail (Psalm 72:1-4). For the salvation of the ruler (1 Timothy 2:4). For the protection of the oppressed (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Christian prayers should be bold rather than passive, and call for leaders to align with God’s moral law to escape for all, especially vulnerable people.
Prayer and prophetic responsibility of believers
Silence in the face of evil is never an option.
The Bible commands prayers for the ruler, which also supports a prophetic conflict of injustice. Silence in the face of evil is never an option. The Bible records several examples of respectful figures challenging corruption in political leaders.
Moses stood before Pharaoh and demanded an end to oppression (Exodus 5-12) Nathan rebuked King David for his miserable sins (2 Samuel 12) John the Baptist was King Herod Boldly condemned the immorality of the
Even Jesus himself showed this balance. He prayed for the executioner – “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He also publicly denounced corrupt leaders:
“Teacher of law and Pharisees, you are a hypocrite! You will close the door of the kingdom of heaven in the faces of the people” (Matthew 23:13).
This duality teaches believers to pray diligently for the ruler, and holds righteousness accountable. Prayer is not an excuse for passivity, but a means of empowering actions rooted in God’s justice.
A call to embody the spirit of Jesus
The American People’s Prayer Breakfast 2025 has made a timeless truth come true. The spirit of Jesus in Nazareth is forced to live with courage, humility and belief, and stands for justice, accepts unity, and guides the heart of his servants.
As leaders and citizens gathered in prayer, the event highlighted the need for faith-led leadership in shaping a society that reflects God’s justice and peace.
This message extends beyond the walls of the Hilton Hotel. It challenges us to bring this spirit into our everyday lives and affects our communities, institutions, and nations. Faith, when living in the real world, can heal division, restore dignity, and fire transformation.
Do we embody the spirit of Jesus in our time?
As history unfolds, challenges remain. Do we embody the spirit of Jesus in our time? Do we outweigh division, fear, and self-interests in order to accept the higher calling of love, justice and service? True faith does not retreat from the world, but engages, raises, and transforms.
Let us move forward with bold prayers, unwavering faith and decisive actions so that Jesus’ spirit continues to shape our world. May we be instruments of His love, truth, and righteousness, and serve with all our hearts in our hearts ready to do His work with God’s will and hands.
Originally published by The Christian Post. It was reissued with permission.
Pastor Richard Howell is the principal of the Caleb Institute in Delhi, India and is the executive director of the Evangelical Fellowship of the Council of Indian Churches, an alliance of evangelical and Pentecostal churches. He was previously the general secretary of the Asian Evangelical Alliance and a member of the Global Christian Forum.
