Jeff Flinn, Managing Editor of the Boerne Star, sits down at the Boerne Brew with Rob O'Connell and Will Smith to discuss the National Day of Prayer events coming to Boerne, Texas on Thursday, May 7th. Now in its fourth year, the Boerne National Day of Prayer has grown from a small gathering at the gazebo to a full-day celebration featuring a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, a noon prayer at Main Plaza, and an all-new youth-led evening event called "Light Up the Square." The conversation covers the history of prayer in America, the importance of faith in community, and why everyone in Boerne should be there.

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction & welcome to the Boerne Brew

0:33 – Meet the guests: Rob O'Connell & Will Smith

0:44 – History of the Boerne National Day of Prayer (4 years)

1:20 – Will Smith on his personal faith journey and why prayer matters

2:53 – How the National Day of Prayer task force works & the national prayer

3:29 – Presidential & gubernatorial proclamations; Mayor Frank Ritchie's role

4:34 – Mayor's Prayer Breakfast details: location, tickets, speakers

5:07 – Full lineup at the breakfast: worship, prayer for nation, state & youth

5:26 – "Light Up the Square" — the new youth-led evening event

9:00 – How to welcome people into a spirit of prayer (Will Smith)

11:22 – America's covenant with God: history from 1607 to George Washington

13:01 – Event recap & call to action

13:15 – The Bible as a living tool; faith through tragedy and blessing

16:35 – First Chronicles 16:24 — the national prayer theme

20:37 – The Bible's place in history; generational memory & 9/11

21:22 – Final event rundown & encouragement to attend

22:35 – Rob & Will reflect on planning and prayer leading up to the event

23:14 – How a small team of 5–6 organizes a citywide event

24:05 – Ticket info, closing remarks & God bless

🙏 Event Details – Thursday, May 7th:

8:00–9:00 AM – Mayor's Prayer Breakfast @ Loscas Guitars Restaurant (911 Main St) — $15 tickets at BerniePrays.org

Noon–1:00 PM – National Day of Prayer @ Main Plaza Gazebo (FREE)

7:00–8:00 PM – Light Up the Square (Youth-Led) @ Main Plaza Gazebo (FREE)

🌐 Boerneprays.org

Original Air Date:  April 11, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/