Tyler Mayor holds annual prayer breakfast | News

TYLER, TX (KLTV)-

In 1952, President Harry Truman and the United States Congress declared the first Thursday of May to be a National Day of Prayer, a time for people of all Faiths to pray for the country.

This morning, Tyler's city leaders and community members gathered together to have breakfast and spend time in prayer for the city, East Texas, and the country.

"I'm here because I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that it changes people's lives," said Scott Harrison of Tyler.

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass said that living and working in a faith-based community like Tyler makes it easier to come together to observe a day of prayer for the city.

"I think we always have to stand up for our right to freedom of religion. Freedom of religion is a God-given freedom. Our forefathers recognized it as an inalienable right," said Mayor Bass. "So I think for us to get together and pray and really stand up for who we are and for our many faiths is very important."

Mayor Bass said it's essential for community members to pray daily for all their elected officials, and she knows those prayers make a difference in the work she does every day.

"I know people pray for me and the other leaders, so I feel that in many ways. And I think just that positive attitude of people caring about a community comes through because of that faith-base and because of those prayers," Mayor Bass said.

People from different faiths and congregations all over the city said they enjoy coming together each year for the same purpose.

"It's good that we can come together regardless of our religious preference and background and pray, and believe God for greater things for our city and for the coming year," said Archbishop Bobby G. Land, Jr. of Tyler.

Approximately 800 people attended this morning's breakfast.

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