Hundreds gather to pray for blessings on leaders

Before work, school and everything else that needed to be done Friday, hundreds gathered downtown to pray.

They asked God to bless their leaders, to watch over their children and families, to sanctify Spokane and the entire nation.

“Lord, we thank you for the freedom to be here … to pray publicly and proclaim publicly,” invoked Mark Sanford, spiritual director of the Elijah House. “Thank you for all the good things you do and are about to do.”

More than 500 people — pastors, politicians, business leaders and others — flocked to the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Spokane for the 45th annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast, a gathering to support and honor public officials. It’s sponsored every year by Leadership Northwest, a volunteer, nonprofit Christian organization that exists solely to plan and organize the breakfast.

Regardless of their political affiliation or viewpoint, many who came strongly believe in the power of prayer — that it can comfort and heal, provide spiritual sustenance and even transform a community.

“We need your prayers, we covet your prayers,” U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris told the audience. She spoke of how empowered she feels whenever people approach her and say that she’s included in their thoughts and prayers. “I want to encourage you to pray because that’s where you get your power,” she said.

In addition to McMorris, other public officials came to receive the community’s blessing including state representatives, members of the Spokane and Spokane Valley city councils, Spokane County commissioners, district court judges and heads of school districts.

This year’s two-hour event focused on unity — how people of faith, despite their differences, can still work together in God’s name and help transform the world into a better place.

“Oneness is not sameness,” said keynote speaker Aaron Haskins, a church pastor and the executive director of Seattle’s Coalition for Community Development and Renewal. “Jesus was a multidimensional leader who celebrated diversity. … Relationships are the key to breaking down the walls that divide us.”

A former star basketball player at Washington State University, Haskins entertained the audience by playing “Amazing Grace” on his saxophone and telling jokes throughout his presentation. He also shared stories of how he has witnessed people from vastly different backgrounds come together, especially during moments of crisis.

Haskins recalled the first time he visited an Episcopal church and how the pipe organs and hymnals seemed so foreign to a black from a Pentecostal background whose own worship included drums, tambourines and the constant lifting of the hands. But when the Episcopalians began to sing, he still felt God’s presence.

“God transcended my culture and tradition — he was bigger than my experience,” Haskins said. “It’s our heart that says, ‘Brother, you are valuable. Sister, I love you. You don’t look like I do or praise like I do, but you know what? I love you.’ “