What is the Prayer Breakfast?
People from all walks of life come to enjoy this Maundy Thursday celebration with the reading of the Scriptures, local vocalists and musicians, an inspiring message from a selected keynote speaker and, of course, prayer for our state. A hearty breakfast is served and Iowans enjoy the company of friends and colleagues as the Easter weekend celebration begins. Doors open at 6:45 a.m., the event begins at 7:15 a.m., and is over by 8:45 a.m. so attendees can be at the office in good time.

Who is the Breakfast Committee?
The Prayer Breakfast is composed by volunteers from the legislature and business arena who meet each year to organize, raise money, secure an excellent speaker, and promote the Iowa Prayer Breakfast.

How is it funded?
Small business owners, corporations, churches, and private citizens fund the Iowa Prayer Breakfast, which operates as a 501.c3 through tax-deductible donations.  

Who attends the breakfast?
The breakfast is open to the public. Since 1961, many of Iowa’s Governors, US senators and congressional members, state legislators, community and religious leaders have joined with the public to ask God’s direction and blessing upon our state.

Do Youth attend?
Youth & college students have been a part of the Easter celebration for many years. The cost of the breakfast is $10* for college students and younger.

What is the Student Event?
To give more youth an opportunity to hear the speaker, an evening event is being held Wed., April 4th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Iowa Historical Building Auditorium. Students can ask questions and exchange information with the speaker in an informal setting. The evening session allows students to learn even more about leadership qualities. There is no cost for the evening session.

What kind of speakers do you have?
Each year the committee works to find excellent speakers, often in current headlines, who can share an inspirational message. Some are proven leaders, others have changed their communities for the better, and others have come from tragedy to triumph, but all share the Christian faith that we celebrate at Easter time.

Who is the Keynote Speaker this year?

Who provides the music?
Iowa is blessed with talented vocalists and musicians who never fail to amaze us with an Easter anthem. The music is selected by the Iowa Prayer Breakfast Music Committee which strives to find gifted musicians across the state to share their talents during the Breakfast.

What time does it begin?
The Breakfast begins promptly at 7:15 a.m., doors open at 6:45 a.m. Through music, Scripture reading, an inspiring message, and a hearty breakfast, Iowans will be encouraged as many consider this the kick-off event in observing Easter weekend.

How long does it last?
The breakfast is over by 8:45 a.m. so those attending can make it to the office in good time.

Date?
The Breakfast is always held on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter weekend), which is April 5, 2012. Deadline to RSVP is end of business day, March 26, 2012.

Location?
The breakfast is held at the Polk County Convention Complex at 501 Grand Ave in Des Moines.

Parking?
Parking is available in nearby city ramps and easy access through the skywalk system. The city is always notified well in advance and promises to have ample parking attendants on staff to enable quick exits so attendees can make it back to the office without delay.

What does it cost?
*Adults are $20 and College students and younger are $10 for the breakfast. The Student Event, the evening before is free.

Do I need reservations?
Yes. Reservations are always a good idea, as the breakfast is a beloved tradition with 400-700 in attendance. Reservations will ensure you have a seat and a hearty breakfast. No tickets are distributed—just sign in the morning of the breakfast where your name will be on our registration list.

How do I make reservations?
To make reservations, call Bonnie at 515-223-1500 or e-mail her at IowaPrayerBreakfast@gmail.com. Deadline is Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Leave your name, number of youth/adult reservations and a contact number where you can be reached. Or use the website to register: www.iowaprayerbreakfast.com

Is there a deadline to make reservations?
The deadline for reservations is March 26, 2012.