John Dickson Reflects on Faith, Prayer, and Hope at the National Prayer Breakfast
The 36th Australian National Prayer Breakfast was held on Monday, 3 November 2025, at Parliament House, bringing together parliamentarians, community leaders, and everyday Australians for a morning of prayer, encouragement, and reflection.
This year’s theme, “Rejoicing in Hope,” reminded attendees that even in uncertain times, hope remains central to the Christian faith. The event featured guest speaker Dr. John Dickson, alongside a moving performance by the St Edmund’s College Gospel Choir.
In conversation with PJ, Dr. Dickson shared insights into what he spoke about at the Prayer Breakfast – the importance of holding conviction and compassion together in times of division.
“Whether you’re a secularist or a Christian believer, the path to peace in contested times is to hold your convictions with compassion,” he said. “Jesus modelled both, and that’s how we can live at peace with others while staying true to what we believe.”
Dr. Dickson also reflected on the power of prayer, describing it as the first and most essential tool for Christians seeking to influence the world for good. He noted that Christ gave the Church four tools – prayer, persuasion, service, and suffering – and reminded listeners that “prayer lifts our work above circumstances and places it in God’s hands.”
Drawing on his own journey from musician to academic, Dr. Dickson spoke about his passion for combining creativity, conviction, and communication in sharing the message of Christ. His reflections encouraged those present to live out their faith with both courage and grace.
The morning concluded with a spirit of unity and gratitude as guests joined together in rejoicing in hope and praying for the future of the nation.
🎧 Listen to PJ’s conversation with Dr. John Dickson where they chat about what he ‘spoke about’ at the national prayer breakfast, the importance of prayer, his life from singer to accedemic and “The First Hymn”. If you missed the interview, you can catch the replay here.
