The first Christchurch Ōtautahi Prayer Breakfast was on Wednesday morning in the Christchurch Town Hall, with 250 people gathered to pray at tables for the city (including the mayor who was present in person), region, nation and world, from across many churches.
The New Zealand Christian Network has run similar prayer breakfasts in Auckland and Hamilton for several years, with 2025 seeing the launch in Christchurch and Wellington.
Left to right: Tony and Angela Foster (RSC & NZ Rally), Cheryl O'Neill (RSC), Tim Hodge (HCC - standing), Mato Kariuki (HCC), Liz Hodge (HCC – standing), Lincoln Rout (RSC), Kevin Stevenson (HCC), Rob McAuley (HCC), Murray Frost (RSC).
Halswell Community Church (HCC) and Rutland Street Church (RSC) shared a table, with friends from Bryndwr Chapel and Riccarton Community Church also in the room.
South Island Enabler Tim Hodge says:
“While the breakfast was enjoyable, the greater joy came in gathering around tables to pray together... It was encouraging to have the Mayor of Christchurch present, witnessing the support of the wider Church for him in his civic role.
"This gathering was significant because the Church is often portrayed as divided, yet here we were—dozens of local churches, united in prayer. We prayed around Jeremiah 29:7: “Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
The next Prayer Breakfast will be held in Hamilton on September 9th and in Auckland on October 23rd. More details can be found here.
