Excelsior Springs, Mo. (May 1, 2025) — With the theme “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled,” drawn from Romans 15:13, the 15th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast brought city officials, first responders, educators, veterans, and community members together in a demonstration of faith, family, and unity Thursday morning at The Elms Hotel & Spa.
Held from 7 to 8 a.m., the breakfast coincided with the 74th National Day of Prayer and featured a series of prayers, patriotic performances, and a powerful keynote message by Pastor Jon Nelson of Soma Community Church in Jefferson City.
A Morning Rooted in Purpose
The event opened with a prayer for the meal by Pastor Shannon Greene of the United Methodist Church, followed by welcoming remarks from Mike Boudreaux of the Excelsior Springs Christian Ministerial Alliance. The Job Corps NJROTC presented the colors, and attendees joined together in the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John. Robin Wilkens led the singing of the National Anthem, and Gabriel Zelaya followed with a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America.”
Pastor Nelson’s Message: The Posture of the Heart
Guest speaker Pastor Jon Nelson delivered a passionate message focused on the posture of prayer, not of the body, but of the heart. Emphasizing the importance of intimacy and consistency in prayer, Nelson shared deeply personal stories of fatherhood and spiritual connection, urging the audience to approach God with the openness and confidence of a child speaking to a loving parent.
“The prayer life of a Christian is the engine of their life, not the caboose,” Nelson said. “It drives us forward—it shouldn’t be an afterthought.”
Nelson reflected on the importance of unity within the family of God, calling on attendees to consider prayer as a bridge across political, racial, and social divides.
“It’s hard to dislike someone you’re praying for,” he noted. “We are family, and when we carry that truth into our prayer lives, it changes how we see each other.”
He ended with a challenge: to embody a kingdom mindset where prayer shapes daily action and fosters reconciliation.
Mayor Spohn Encourages Hopeful Citizenship
Following Pastor Nelson’s powerful message, Mayor Mark Spohn offered his own reflections on the day’s theme, centered on Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Spohn spoke about the deeper meaning of hope—not as wishful thinking, but as a confident expectation rooted in faith. “Hope, biblically defined, conveys something far more powerful than simply wanting things to go our way,” he said. “It is anchored in the promises of God.”
He encouraged the audience to cultivate a spirit of encouragement, particularly in conversations about the community. “Let’s be intentional in how we speak about Excelsior Springs,” he said. “Whether in person or—especially—on social media, we can choose words that uplift and inspire.”
The mayor also urged attendees to keep city leadership and initiatives in their prayers, highlighting ongoing projects and naming department heads, school officials, and council members by name. From infrastructure development and public safety to economic growth and education, Spohn asked the community to stand behind those working to move Excelsior Springs forward.
“We may not all share the same beliefs, backgrounds, or perspectives,” he said, “but if we anchor our hope in something greater than ourselves, and choose to support one another, we can strengthen the very fabric of our city.”
Community Leaders Lift Their Voices in Prayer
A series of prayers followed, each focused on different sectors of the Excelsior Springs community:
- First Responders & Hospital Staff – Deacon Alan Bandy of St. Ann’s Catholic Church asked God to grant courage, compassion, and protection to those who serve.
- City and County Officials – Pastor Marvin Clay of Barbee Memorial AME Church prayed for wisdom and integrity in public service.
- Educators – Pastor Ethan Rosenboom of Crescent Lake Christian Center prayed for peace, unity, and divine guidance amid transition.
- Military, Veterans & Their Families – Pastor Gary Barkley of Pisgah Baptist Church honored those who served, remembering local veterans and invoking Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous.”
- State & National Officials – Pastor James Wesley of Main Street Baptist Church closed with a prayer calling for national unity, righteousness, and outward service.
A Morning of Reflection and Renewal
The event ended as it began, in prayer and fellowship. Attendees were reminded that prayer is not just an annual gathering but a daily opportunity to connect, heal, and lead with humility.
“Prayer does change things,” said Boudreaux in closing. “And it is changing things.”
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