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The 74th National Prayer Breakfast’s (NPB) annual gathering takes place February 5, 2026. This unique event could well be called the International Prayer Breakfast as 3,500 people travel from 100 nations and 50 states gather in Washington, D.C., where, for three days, Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Muslims set aside their political and religious differences to meet in “The Spirit of Jesus.” The basic principles of Jesus become the main topic of speakers and discussion groups.
Who is praying on the wall?
For many, these days are the busiest days of the year, as the event brings a unique opportunity to reconnect with people they know from across the globe, making this a global event. It’s not uncommon to meet people who will become lifelong friends from this time forward.
For some, the deep theological dive into Jesus’ prayer for unity may be difficult to grasp, but at the Prayer Breakfast, amazingly, that’s what happens. Most Christians come away with a deeper understanding of how to share Jesus without reservation with friends and strangers.
President Eisenhower attended the first NPB in 1953. Every year, the sitting President has followed President Eisenhower’s example by attending the event and addressing those who attend.
The history of the NPB reveals a spiritual thread of men and women through generations who carried a vision to reach those in positions of power, who, in turn, would then reach the poorest of the poor. It’s not uncommon for The International Foundation, the non-profit that sponsors the NPB, to host leaders on a regular basis, always encouraging them to be strong, moral leaders who embrace the teachings of Jesus. The prominent question posed at most dinners is “What are you doing to help the poor in your nation?”
Several key historical figures influenced the NPB, the first of whom was William Wilberforce, a member of the British Parliament in the late 1700s. Wilberforce gathered leaders around him who met frequently to discuss how they could make England a moral nation and how to eradicate slavery. His faithful group became known as the Clapham Circle, and with Wilberforce’s leadership and the unity of the group, they were able to accomplish both goals. The Slavery Abolition Act, passed in 1833, was a substantial first step in stopping slavery around the world.
Another NPB influencer was Abraham Vereide, a Norwegian American Methodist minister, who worked with the poor in Seattle, Washington, in the 1930s, establishing Goodwill Industries and organizing prayer groups that focused on spiritual renewal and reconciliation. The work was hard and seeing little results, Mr. Vereide decided he might make more progress helping the poor if he founded prayer groups at the seat of this nation’s power. Vereide moved to Washington, D.C. in 1942 and began founding prayer groups in both the House and the Senate.
Mr. Vereide was a strong influence on Doug Coe, who, in 1969, took the leadership of the International Foundation, the nonprofit that sponsors the NPB. A position Doug Coe held until his passing in 2017. He was a pivotal figure in the history of the NPB, working quietly behind the scenes to not only organize the event but also build relationships with leaders across the world, regardless of their political leanings or religious views. It was quiet diplomacy, and Doug Coe was the best. He guided the NPB to be nonpartisan, open to all faiths, and always embracing the principles of Jesus.
The gathering of the NPB gives us an excellent opportunity to pray for the leaders of the nations. It is also a time to appreciate an organization that has stayed faithful to its original purpose of praying for leaders to walk in unity among differing religious beliefs and political parties.
How are you praying for this gathering? Share your prayers and scriptures below.
Nancy Huff is an educator with a mission to equip believers to pray strategically for the Cultural Mountain of Education. She has authored Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide to Transform America’s Schools. She leads prayer groups to pray at key educational locations across the US. For additional information, go to: https://takingthemountainofeducation.com/author/nancyahuff/. Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Molly Riley.
