A spirit of unity and faith filled the room early Tuesday morning as nearly 1,000 Amarillo residents gathered for the 35th Annual Amarillo Community Prayer Breakfast. Held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, this cherished tradition continues to inspire connection, reflection, and service among attendees from all walks of life.
Starting at 6:30 a.m., the breakfast offered a moment of fellowship through music, prayer, and a keynote address that underscored the intersection of science and faith. Mayor Cole Stanley, welcoming attendees for the second year, emphasized the event’s enduring role in fostering community bonds.
“This gathering shows us that even with our differences, we can come together and agree on what truly matters,” Stanley said. “It’s an opportunity to prioritize His will over our own and come together despite those differences.”
Faith and Fellowship in Action
The morning’s program featured stirring performances by the Hood Mass Choir, whose hymns filled the venue with uplifting harmonies. Attendees also heard from local students like Ashlyn Hill of Tacoma High School and Braelyn Tinge of Amarillo High School, who shared personal testimonies of faith and their aspirations to carry those values forward.
Caprock High School senior C.J. Flanagan delivered a poignant closing prayer, reflecting the gratitude and unity the event inspires. “It’s amazing how so many people come together just to celebrate God—and at a breakfast at six o’clock in the morning!” Flanagan said.
Committee member Carolyn Terrell, who has helped organize the event for over a decade, expressed her joy at seeing so many gathered in prayer and reflection. “Anything that can bring the whole community together, I love to get behind that,” she said.
A Thought-Provoking Keynote
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Brian Miller, Research Coordinator and Senior Fellow at the Center for Science and Culture, captivated the audience with insights into the harmony of science and faith. A former atheist turned believer, Miller shared his journey of discovering purpose through the lens of intelligent design.
“God created science; he created our world to point to him clearly,” Miller said. He traced the historical roots of the debate between creation and naturalism, emphasizing that the dialogue is as old as humanity’s quest for understanding.
Miller also addressed the modern challenges of living authentically in a world of distractions, encouraging attendees to embrace their divine purpose. “Our faith isn’t just about moral rules or Sunday practices — it’s about transforming the world around us,” he said.
A Tradition of Unity
First held in 1989, the Amarillo Community Prayer Breakfast was inspired by the National Prayer Breakfast and has become a cornerstone of the city’s Thanksgiving traditions.
“The founders of this event saw division in the city and wanted to do something to bring Amarillo together,” said Nathan Murphy, a longtime committee member. “It’s always held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to kick off the week and give people a chance to come together, pray for the city, and connect with one another.”
Former Amarillo Mayor Trent Sisemore highlighted the event’s significance. “It’s wonderful because we come together as a community with the oneness of spirit, worshiping the Lord and praying for our city, state, and national leaders,” he said.
Looking Ahead with Faith and Service
As the breakfast concluded with prayers for community leaders, attendees were encouraged to carry the morning’s message of faith and service into their daily lives.
“This event isn’t just about one morning,” said Mayor Stanley. “It’s about inspiring our community to keep moving forward in faith and service.”
Committee member Linda Vaughn echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event’s focus on prayer as a unifying force. “Prayer is what’s going to help us come together. It’s about setting aside differences and seeking guidance and peace through faith.”
The Amarillo Community Prayer Breakfast continues to thrive as a non-political, inclusive tradition that brings people together in gratitude and hope. As attendees left to begin their Thanksgiving celebrations, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and connection, ready to serve their community and uplift those around them.
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