On Jan. 7, Leander residents gathered for the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the third such event organized by the Leander Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

At Hill Country Bible Church Leander, Mayor Chris Fielder introduced people who prayed for specific parts of the city or nation, such as families, business, schools and military branches.

The Rev. Caz Minter, pastor of LiveOak Church, spoke briefly on the subject of prayer.

“Sometimes I pray well-planned-out thoughtful prayers,” Minter said. “[And then] I prayed prayers where I hit my knees and I am just crying out. … It’s not so planned.”

Leander Police Chief Greg Minton prayed for emergency personnel who are struggling, he said.

“Times are tough right now,” Minton said. “Before I get out of my patrol car in the morning, I pray for my guys. I pray for every single one of them.”

The Rev. Peter Horn, pastor of Hill Country Bible Church Leander, prayed for families. Husbands, wives and children who follow the Bible can help transform neighborhoods, schools and cities, Horn said.

State Rep. Tony Dale, R-Cedar Park, read a prayer for military soldiers.

“Give them courage and strength against all enemies, both spiritual and physical,” Dale said.