New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation (NYFRF) sponsors a Legislative Prayer Breakfast every Tuesday at the State Capitol (Room 211A LOB). It was originally established as a ministry to legislators and their staffs. NYFRF serves coffee, bagels, muffins, fruit, and juice at no charge.

Participants meet not only to pray, but also to study God’s Word. Over the years, this ministry has been a blessing. Numerous legislators have made it a priority in the midst of their busy schedules.

In 2009, the Commission on Public Integrity granted the ministry a waiver so that NYFRF could continue the breakfasts as they always had, but this year it was a different story. The Public Integrity Commission has refused to grant a waiver for fear that Jason and Duane (who are also registered New York State lobbyists with New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms and lead the breakfasts) might be unduly influencing our elected officials with a chocolate chip muffin. (No, we're not making this up!)

So in the midst of scandals in the Legislature involving millions of dollars, the Public Integrity Commission is worried about bagels.

While serving coffee and juice is fine, apparently the bagel is over the top. Giving a legislator a bagel would be a violation of the Lobbying Act of 2009, and punishable by a $25,000 fine. NYFRF and NYCF will continue the prayer meetings and Bible studies, but only coffee, tea and juice will be served - we'll obey the law and hold the bagels.

It’s foolish, but reminds us of the danger of legalism – depending on rules to change people’s hearts. The Word of God says in 2 Corinthians 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

God is already honoring this effort, as NYCF seeks to honor Him. The bagel-less breakfast has already had a marked increase over last year's average attendance.

Thank you for remembering this ministry in prayer.