Community leaders will begin Jan. 7 praying for businesses, local government and more at a new annual prayer breakfast, 7:45 a.m. at Hill Country Bible Church Leander.

Leander Mayor Chris Fielder said he wanted to organize the breakfast after he was inspired by a similar event in Round Rock.

"We're founded on a Christian nation and we're going to start the year out right," Fielder said. "I am excited about it. I hope we have a good turnout and a good response."

Several groups are involved, including the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce, Chamber president Bridget Brandt said.

"It is a community breakfast, and at the breakfast there will be different people praying for each of the different [people] of the city," Brandt said. "A lot of cities do that, actually, so it's kind of common a way for the community to say: 'We're ready for the new year.'"

The prayer service itself is free. CJ's Catering will provide breakfast, for which guests can register at the Chamber's website. Chamber members pay $15 and nonmembers $20. Ticket prices increase by $5 the day of the event.

Part of the proceeds benefit the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, Fielder said.

Chuck Walker and the Jesus Country Show will provide music, he said.

Fielder said that publicly praying guests will include Judge Edna Staudt, Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Cynthia Long, Leander Police Chief Greg Minton, Brenda Staples with the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, Sherry McDonald with Hill Country Community Ministries, and Hill Country Bible Church's pastor, the Rev. Peter Horn.

Horn will also give a short talk about the importance of prayer, Fielder said.

Both Horn and Brandt have been instrumental in organizing the new event, he said.

"It's good to start out the year right," Fielder said. "I don't know of any better way to do it."