Christians meeting together for prayer is not a new thing. It often happened in the New Testament church (e.g. Acts 1:14, 2:1-4, 2:42, 4:24-31). Inter-denominational prayer gatherings are held in many New Zealand towns and cities, at the initiative of various groups, and there is a long history of such events in most places. That has always been good, because heartfelt prayer always matters (Ephes. 6:18, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 17).

An encouraging development in recent years has been city-wide Prayer Breakfasts in various New Zealand cities, as a result of a partnership between the New Zealand Christian Network and groups of Christian leaders in different cities, generously supported by a number of sponsoring Christian organisations. There is a special blessing when believers come together in unity from all sorts of different churches and cultures, and pray and fellowship together.

The first of the NZCN-associated Prayer Breakfasts was the Auckland Prayer Breakfast, in 2016. Its venue is an upstairs lounge at Eden Park. In 2024, 670 people attended. Rev Dr Richard Waugh tells the story of the APB here. Pastor Dale Campbell (Auckland Church Network) comments, ‘There really is nothing quite like the prayer breakfast to show the visible unity of the Church in Auckland’. This year’s Auckland Prayer Breakfast will be held on 23 October. Book tickets.

The Hamilton Prayer Breakfast, with Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau as MC, began in 2019. It initially met at Hamilton City Gardens, and more recently at the Claudelands Events Centre. Last year, 460 people came. Rachel writes: ‘As we approach our 6th Annual Hamilton City Prayer breakfast – we give all glory for God’s faithfulness. The 2025 theme of unity comes from Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Let’s start with His Church, and may this unity overflow to pour out over our City and throughout our communities.’ This year’s Hamilton Prayer Breakfast will be on 9 September. Book tickets here.

Coming up very soon, on 24 June, will be the inaugural Wellington Prayer Breakfast. The Wellington Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Sky Stadium. Pastor Phil Coates is the Wellington coordinator. He writes: ‘For many years, Wellington City hosted Capital Prayer Breakfasts, drawing together Church, business and community leaders to pray for our city and nation. These breakfasts ceased just prior to Covid, but we are excited to be gathering together again, this time in collaboration with NZCN and Prayer Breakfasts being held in other cities across the nation. With the emergence of the new Wellington Church Network, we are believing that annual Prayer Breakfasts will be wonderful opportunities to seek the Lord’s favour and blessing on our city.’ Note that tickets for the Wellington Prayer Breakfast close on 17 June. Book tickets here.

And in Christchurch, on 30 July, there will be the inaugural Christchurch Prayer Breakfast, which will be held in the Christchurch Town Hall. This complements some previous events, including those organised by Te Raranga. The Christchurch organising committee coordinator is Rev Dr Clint Ussher. Book tickets here.

‘Do you love your city? Do you love prayer? Do you love God? Do you love breakfast? Then it would great if you can be part of your local Prayer Breakfast’. – Sanjai Kandregula (Auckland Prayer Breakfast Committee)

As with any such event there are considerable costs involved. Currently ticket prices are 50% of the actual cost per person, with sponsorships and donations covering the remaining 50%. We are very grateful to this year’s sponsors: lead sponsors Barnabas Aid and Christian Blind Mission (cbm), along with Bible Society, Alpha, Laidlaw College, Christian Savings, World Vision, New World Morrinsville, Family Life, Parry Field Lawyers, and Vision Complete Earthworks.

We still have a few sponsorship opportunities, get in touch with Esther to find out more. In addition, anyone may make a donation to help further the reach of our Prayer Breakfasts (such donations are eligible for a tax rebate at the end of the financial year).

In many other cities and towns, there are other current united prayer events. We are always pleased to hear reports and updates about these.

Where local leaders feel it could be helpful, New Zealand Christian Network is always willing to explore entering into a partnership to assist the running of further Prayer Breakfasts, anywhere in New Zealand. Please contact us if you want to discuss that possibility by replying to this email.

Also, we invite Christian believers anywhere in New Zealand to join our weekly national online prayer meeting, Pray As One NZ.

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.