36th National Prayer Breakfast to Unite Australians in “Rejoicing in Hope”
By: Joni Boyd
The 36th Australian National Prayer Breakfast will be held on Monday, 3 November 2025, bringing together parliamentarians, community leaders, and everyday Australians in a morning of prayer, encouragement and reflection.
Hosted by David Smith MP and Henry Pike MP, co-chairs of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, the event will be held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, and also livestreamed for those joining from home.
This year’s theme is “Rejoicing in Hope”, and the breakfast will feature guest speaker Dr. John Dickson and a performance by the St Edmund’s College Gospel Choir, whose music will carry messages of unity, faith and hope.
“I’m honoured to join the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament House — an annual reminder that faith and prayer aren’t just private comforts but public goods,” Dr Dickson said.
“This year’s theme, Rejoicing in Hope, captures the heart of what has carried believers through the centuries — through trials, joys, and failures — from the very beginning.
“May it do the same for us today.”
What to Expect On The Day
The program includes reflections and prayers by parliamentarians, a keynote address by Dr Dickson and musical interludes and worship led by the gospel choir. Doors open early for registration.
For those unable to come in person, the breakfast will be livestreamed starting at 7:15am AEDT (with a corresponding stream for 7:15am AWST).
For those attending in person, registration is required.
What makes the Prayer Breakfast Significant
Founded in 1986 by MPs across parties, the National Prayer Breakfast is rooted in the tradition of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship.
Over its history, it has served as a bipartisan, interdenominational platform for public prayer, reflection, and encouragement for Australia’s leaders and people.
In past years, the event has drawn thousands of viewers online.
In 2024 alone, over 33,000 people watched the keynote address via livestream.
Why this year’s theme speaks to us
“Rejoicing in Hope” is a reminder that even in uncertain times, hope remains central to Christian faith.
The theme is tied to The First Hymn — the oldest known Christian hymn preserved in musical notation from the 3rd century — which has been revived and linked to this year’s event.
As the organisers explain, the hymn expresses the biblical call: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Dr Dickson’s role brings depth to the conversation. A historian, author, and public Christian voice, Dickson has held academic positions in Australia and abroad and is well known for bridging faith, culture, and ideas.
How to be part of this year’s Prayer Breakfast
In person: If you wish to attend at the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, you must register in advance.
Online or in a local hub: You can also join via livestream from your home, church, or workplace. The event will be broadcast nationally. Register here.
A Moment To Reflect and Unite
The National Prayer Breakfast is more than a gathering—it’s a reminder that people of faith, across political, cultural and personal divides, can pause together and lift their hearts in prayer for the nation.
As the organisers put it, this event is about “reflection, encouragement, and hope for all who care deeply about the future of our nation.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.
Feature image: Canva
