What was the origin of the Presidential Prayer Breakfast?

 

The Presidential Prayer Breakfast, known today as the National Prayer Breakfast, originated in 1953 under President 

Dwight D. Eisenhower

. While it has since become a major annual tradition attended by every sitting U.S. president, it began as an effort to foster spiritual renewal and unity among political leadership. 

Key Figures and Foundation

Abraham Vereide

: A Norwegian immigrant and Methodist minister, Vereide is credited with the original concept. He began organizing prayer groups for Seattle businessmen in 1935 to address social and economic tensions during the Great Depression.

Billy Graham

: The renowned evangelist was instrumental in persuading a hesitant Eisenhower to attend the first official breakfast.

Frank Carlson

: A Senator from Kansas and close friend of Eisenhower, Carlson helped bridge the gap between Vereide’s congressional prayer groups and the White House. 

Evolution of the Event

• Initial Gathering (1953): The first event, titled the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, was held at the Mayflower Hotel with approximately 400 people.
• The Family (The Fellowship): The organization behind the event, founded by Vereide, eventually became known as The Fellowship Foundation or "The Family".
• Name Change (1970): The name was officially changed to the National Prayer Breakfast during the Nixon administration to emphasize that it was a gathering for the entire nation, not just the president. 

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💡 Historical Context: The breakfast was established during a period of "civil religion" in the 1950s, a movement that also led to the addition of "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.